STAFF and friends of a North Yorkshire school tackled a gruelling Three Peaks Challenge to raise nearly £2,000 towards a special all terrain wheelchair for pupils.

Nineteen staff and friends of Mowbray School in Bedale did the 26 mile walk covering the three highest peaks in Yorkshire in 13 hours.

Headteacher Jonathan Tearle said: “I’m not sure we fully understood the enormity of the challenge before setting off. As the day progressed fatigue and pain became difficult to ignore but we were driven on by the support of colleagues and the spirit of Mowbray School.

“Special thanks must go to our ultra-fit outdoor education specialist Paul Chapman and teacher Amy Foulerton who arranged the challenge and calmly motivated us all throughout."

The group set off to scale the first peak 2,277ft high Pen-y-ghent in mist and drizzle, carrying on to tackle Whernside at 2,415ft and Ingleborough at 2,372ft.

Mr Tearle said High visibility shirts were donated by Design and Stitch of Scotton with Black Sheep Brewery supporting the group with much needed bar towels and a case of beer to mark their achievement at the end.

The school is continuing to raise funds with £1,500 still needed to buy the all-terrain wheelchair which will help pupils take part in outdoor activities.