A GROUP of young people scaled the dizzy heights of the highest mountain in Britain in their quest to raise money for a two-week adventure in France.

Members of the Pilgrim Club, which is based in Shildon, took on the Ben Nevis challenge to raise as much money as possible towards the summer camp in the Rhone-Alpes region of France next year.

Danny Thomas, James Hunter, Liam Dineen, all 12, Jennifer Jennings, Laura Cook, Tony Rutter, Pierce Dineen, all 14, Nikki Rutter, Natasha Belchamber, both 16, and volunteer leaders John Renison, John Cutting, Kevin Brown and David Sadler took just four and a half hours to reach the top of Ben Nevis.

Founder member of the outdoor pursuits and survival club John Cutting said that it had been an incredible experience for everyone involved.

He said: "Everybody was really determined to get to the top and there were some really gutsy performances from all of the youngsters. It is quite a challenge for young people from as young as 12 to complete. They did very well."

The club was set up last year to support young people living in the Shildon and Ferryhill areas and it has grown from having just six participants to having 50 members.

Young people have been given the chance to learn bushcraft and survival skills, to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and go off on summer camp adventures.

Mr Cutting said: "These young people have experienced some exciting activities that they may otherwise not have had the chance to take part in. We want to give them the chance to get out there and enjoy the adventures of a summer camp, which is why we are raising money.''

Anyone wishing to help the club with sponsorship can contact Mr Cutting on (01388) 775105 or visit the club website www.pilgrimclub.org.uk