TWO local groups of adventurous friends have completed the 24 hour Three Peaks Challenge.The two groups both successfully took on the challenge of climbing the three highest mountains in the British Isles - Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon - in just 24 hours for charity.

TWO local groups of adventurous friends have completed the 24 hour Three Peaks Challenge.

The two groups both successfully took on the challenge of climbing the three highest mountains in the British Isles - Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon - in just 24 hours for charity.

On Thursday, July 23, Emily Rushmere and her dad Ronnie Rushmere, both of Dale Haven, Carlton Colville, joined with nine others from Norwich and Kent as they began their challenge by ascending Snowdon.

Team member Peter Southgate, of Hellesdon, said: 'All of us completed the challenge; we finished it at the bottom of Ben Nevis with some champagne and holding a cheque for �7,000.'

The money from their climb went to the Have A Heart charity, which raises money to help disadvantaged youngsters in Norfolk and North Suffolk.

The following day two Lowestoft men successfully took on the same challenge, as they joined with three friends from Norwich.

Nick Willis, of The Avenue, and Adam Hillier, of Elm Tree Road West, were treated to beautiful weather as they began their challenge at Ben Nevis. However 65mph winds and heavy rain made their climb of Scafell Pike much harder.

Their ascent of Snowdon saw them tackle winds of up to 90mph at the summit, but they successfully completed their challenge, raising over �2,000 for the British Red Cross.

'Grateful thanks go to Shaftsbury Court for the loan of their bus and to the wonderful support team of Kevin Hillier and Steve James,' said Nick.