A GROUP who say they are "a little bit mad and love a challenge" are climbing the three highest peaks in the UK.

Gavin Fuller, his brother-in-law Simon Browning, and school friend Laura Bass, all from Braintree, are taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge in August.

Mr Fuller said: "The idea came from Simon, he had already climbed Ben Nevis and put it out there to some friends of ours.

"I had previously missed out on doing the Ben Nevis climb due to an accident I had last year so I really didn't want to miss out again.

"Another school friend of ours, Laura, wanted to do it as a personal challenge for herself."

They also have a designated driver, Dan Owen, who will be driving them to all three locations offering support.

During the challenge the group, who call themselves The Lady and the Tramps, will endeavour to climb Mount Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in England and Ben Nevis in Scotland within 24 hours.

Money raised will go to PARC Essex, based in Great Notley, which helps children with additional needs.

Mr Fuller said: "We chose to train at the discovery centre in Great Notley as we all live locally.

"On one of our runs we passed a transport van parked at the centre owned by PARC, as we all have children ourselves we decided it would be good to try and get some sponsorship money for our challenge and donate it to them.

"I have contacted PARC and they are really pleased to hear we are trying to raise funds for them."

The challenge will take place on Saturday, August 26. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/theladyandthetramps.