THESE fundraisers launched an assault on York to raise money for charity.

Willing participants braved assault courses in three separate events on Thursday and Friday.

Shoppers were given the chance to play a part in the Army's monumental bid to conquer Mount Everest via the notorious West Ridge.

Hundreds of people scaled the rolling rock wall, which was in St Sampson's Square. The event was part of a programme of 22 events across the region this month - with the aim of notching up 29,000 feet - the same as the Everest climb.

People were able to watch the Army's team in action on Everest on a screen while conquering their own challenge.

Lieutenant Colonel John May said he hoped the weather conditions would be better in the UK than on Everest.

Student nurses also tackled a challenging assault course set up at York College by the Army's Yorkshire Regiment.

More than 20 teams from the Access To Nursing course participated against the clock on Thursday as part of their communications module.

The event was held to raise money for St Leonard's Hospice and York's Special Care Baby Unit.

Nursing students at York College progress to the University of York to further their studies, and several teams from the university also ran the assault course.

Student Klaire Lightowler, 35, said: "We have enjoyed organising the event, and it has been great to see so many people taking part.

"We wanted to fundraise for some important health-related charities and we intend to handover the proceeds from this event to the respect charities at our graduation ceremony in July."

Captain Andrew Adair, from the King's Division Recruiting Team of the Yorkshire Regiment, said he was pleased to help the nursing students with their event.

He said: "The assault course has given students a quick insight into the Army, where team building and leadership skills are important. The students have enjoyed taking part, as well as watching the event and they have raised funds for some worthy causes."

City Screen donated four tickets to the winning team.

And 45 children, aged three and four, took part in a sponsored mini-assault course to raise money for children in Northern India yesterday.

Members of the Ladybirds Kinderclass in Huntington jumped through hoops and climbed through tunnels to get their hands on certificates and sweets.

They raised about £120 to buy resources like crayons for children in northern India, where they already sponsor a child.

Updated: 09:56 Saturday, May 13, 2006