A YORK business gave charity hikers a kick start towards scaling three of the highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Bank of Scotland Business Banking, in York, donated £250 towards a £2,500 pledge by Peter Harrington, chairman of the Invited Guests Trust, for walking Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

Mr Harrington, managing director of Questions Answered, York, also persuaded colleagues to join him on one of the six-mile, 12-mile and 26-mile walks.

The money raised will help the Trust arrange holidays for people suffering hardship.

Mr Harrington said: "The whole day was a fantastic success and it was great to see so many people out on the hills - it was really worth getting everyone together."

Updated: 09:49 Friday, May 23, 2003