INTREPID staff from St James's CE School, Farnworth, are planning a triple attack on Britain's highest mountains to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

On Saturday three teams of staff will tackle Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis, and Snowdon, the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales. They will be sponsored by colleagues, pupils, governors and friends of the school.

St James's regularly raises money for local and national charities, and has a personal interest in Motor Neurone Disease.

Last year the Rev Ashby Owens, the former rector of St James's and deputy chairman of the school's governors, died from the disease.

As a mark of respect the sponsored climb was organised by maths teacher David Wooliscroft.

Mr Wooliscroft, an experienced climber, said the school had wanted to do something in tribute to Rev Owens and the idea for a sponsored climb tied in because the rector had once taken part in a sponsored walk in the West Highlands.

"He talked about it all the time because he had enjoyed it so much. To do a sponsored climb in his memory seemed the right thing to do."

Tackling Scafell Pike is English teacher Martin Hambleton, who is being accompanied by friends and a dog. Mr Wooliscroft, his wife Sue and son Simon, 16, along with history teacher, Carolyn Blythe, and IT teacher Colin Broadley will be making their way up Snowdon. And north of the border, Ben Nevis is being climbed by husband and wife team, Karen Wyley, who teaches French, and her science teacher husband David. They will be joined by science teachers Ian Slack and Jo Forrest.

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