PEAK performers from gas pipeline operator Transco in York have completed the challenge of a lifetime and climbed three mysterious mountains in under 24 hours.

Dale Carter, Paul Keeble, Cara Bottomley and Wal Martin from the Heworth Green base were among a group of ten Transco adventurers crossed the finishing line in 23 hours and 44 minutes after scaling Carnedd Dafydd in Snowdonia, the Cheviot in Northumberland National Park and Dale Head in the Lake District.

Mick Fisher, also from York, made sure they got there in plenty of time, as one of two drivers responsible for shipping the walkers from peak to peak.

"At times the wind was so strong it was driving us backwards," said Dale. "At other times we were walking through a quagmire.

"But the route was well marshalled with plenty of checkpoints and some mountain guides, so there was no real danger of getting lost. The highlight for me was the walk up Dale Head. The sun came out for a while and we knew we were near the end."

If getting in shape for the 40-kilometre trek was not hard enough, the team also raised more than £8,500 for Children Aid's Direct, which will use the money in countries such as Burundi and North Korea. This year, 15 teams entered the BG Energy Challenge and raised a total of £125,000.