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Group reach summit of achievement

09:00, 15 June 2010

Teaching staff with a head for heights decided to give up their half-term break to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge.

The Westlands School head teacher Jon Whitcombe and deputy head teacher Neil Golding along with 13 of their colleagues set off to the Scottish Highlands on June 2.

They took part in the charity event which saw them climbing to the summits of the three highest peaks in Britain, Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, in just 24 hours.

Mr Golding said: "It was a really tough few days. The group were hampered by injuries and illness, but with the inspiring presence of the school's learning leader Craig Hallam, who was one of the fittest people in the team, everyone got through it.

"He was encouraging people and helping them out in times of need. All together, seven of the team (pictured) reached the summits of the Three Peaks, but each member of staff reached new heights and showed steely determination.

"Some of the climates and terrain were quite awful and some couldn't face the climb or they were sick or tired.

"The group returned to Westlands late on Saturday afternoon tired, dirty and in some discomfort but jubilant with a sense of achievement."

Helping them get from place to place and back home were drivers Max Webb and Michelle Fairhead.

The group hopes to have raised between £3,000 and £5,000 for their chosen charities Teenage Cancer Trust and Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

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