A CHARITY mountain climbing team took to the dizzy heights of York's Stonebow to start their campaign to raise funds for the homeless.

The five members of the York Housing Association team have entered the Three Peaks Challenge to support the charity Shelter.

They began their campaign at the Peasholme Centre, which is a haven for homeless people.

"The Shambles" walking team will take part in the Shelter challenge to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales in only two days, from June 6 to 8. The members of the team, inspired by housing support worker Sarah Mutlow, aim to raise more than £1,000 and complete the task in as short a time as possible.

Sarah saw a leaflet advertising the campaign and was inspired, encouraging her colleagues to join in.

She said: "The response was instant and with the backing of York Housing Association, we sent in our entry and are now in training. We have all increased our daily exercise and are slowly getting used to wearing walking boots and walking up hills.

"We have been told to be prepared for all weathers; even though the climb is in June it is likely there will be snow at the top of Ben Nevis."

Sarah will be joined by a cross-section of staff from the association including a finance officer, a senior support worker and a design engineer to ferry the walkers about to each destination.

York Housing Association Christine Storrs said: "We think the Shelter Challenge is an excellent idea and are proud of our staff who are giving up their time and energy to support this worthwhile cause."

Updated: 08:39 Wednesday, May 14, 2003