Mountain-mad computer buffs have scaled new heights in fund-raising after smashing a charity hiking target by £30,000.

The 17-strong team of United Utilities colleagues – including Pete Smith from York – is expected to double what they had originally hoped for, netting £60,000 for Water Aid and mountain rescue charities.

The cash was raised during a gruelling bid to scale 38 Lake District peaks in only four days in June. The marathon effort took in 60 miles of hill-walking and 20,000ft of ascent along the way.

IT manager, Pete, of Huntington, who works on United Utilities contract with Northern Gas Networks, said: “The walk was tough, at times it felt like more of a climb but it was all worth it – especially when we got back and discovered just how much we had raised.”

Walk mastermind Mike Naden, the managing director of United Utilities’ IT operations said everyone was staggered at the amount of money raised.

“We started off hoping to raise £30,000, but it seemed ambitious. This is absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “It was an amazing trip but very hard work. We did a lot of training beforehand and I think we were all glad for it.

Fortunately the weather was on our side and we got to the end on time and all in one piece.”

The bulk of the money will be going to WaterAid and the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association are receiving £10,000. The funds will prove vital to WaterAid’s work overseas.

Jackie Sedgwick, regional development manager for WaterAid, said: “As a result of Mike’s challenge, we will be able to bring clean water for life to over 3,000 people. It’s a tremendous feat – in every sense of the word. We really appreciate all the hard work that’s gone in to the challenge, and we’re thrilled at the outcome.”