A GROUP of intrepid friends are tackling three of the highest peaks in the county for a local charity.

The pals from Pickering are planning to conquer Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours when they undertake the Yorkshire Three Peaks in June.

They are taking on the challenge in the summer to raise money for the Rob Stephenson Trust, a local charity that was set up to help children and young people pay for sporting pursuits or reading materials for college and university.

The nine-strong group were all school friends of Rob, playing sports with him at school and club level, and are keen to support the charity that bears his name.

Oliver Sigsworth, one of the group, said: “We all enjoy playing sports as a hobby, but none of us are athletes.”

“We thought we would do the Three Peaks to challenge ourselves and raise some money for the trust in memory of Stevo.”

They are aiming to raise £1,000, which will fund local sporting facilities, including the Thornton-le-Dale cricket club, as well as donating sporting equipment to projects worldwide.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks route covers 24 miles and includes a combined ascent of 5,200ft.

The friends are planning to have a pint for Rob at the top of each peak, but are inviting extra challenges along the way in return for a £50 donation.

For more details on how to donate and set the pals more challenges for their trek, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/3peaksrobstephenson.