PUPILS took on a mountain of a challenge when they climbed three peaks in three days.

The 11 Year 8 students from Daneshill School, in Stratfield Turgis, trekked to the top of the three tallest mountains in Britain to raise money for charity.

The group, accompanied by three members of staff from their school and mountain guides, tackled the highest mountain first – Ben Nevis in Scotland, which stands 1,344m tall.

Lauren Wyatt, a member of the group, said: “Luckily the weather conditions were good and some views could be seen from the summit, however the heat was exhausting.”

The sweltering temperatures failed to deter the team and they reached the top by 4pm.

But there was no time for recovery, as they had just three days to complete the challenge and had to quickly jump back on the minibus to make their way to Scafell Pike in England, which they would climb the following morning.

Scafell Pike is the smallest of the three peaks at 978m and the group made it to the top despite poor weather conditions and challenging terrain.

The pupils then faced their final hurdle – Mount Snowdon in Wales which is 1,085m tall.

They reached the summit, despite members of the group suffering injuries, and celebrated having walked an estimated 26 miles with a total ascent of 3,000m.

The challenge was taken on as part of the school’s Adventure, Leadership and Service skills programme, designed for those in year’s six to eight.

Along with physically preparing for the challenge, the pupils also decided to raise money for a local charity, The March Foundation, based in Greywell.

The charity changes the lives of vulnerable inner city children with learning difficulties.

The team set themselves a goal of raising £1,000, but managed to triple that, generating £3,000 for the charity.

Lauren, 13, said: “It was an incredible challenge to be part of and though we may not have realised it when we were exhausted and achy, it was one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable experiences we have shared.”