16259/03GAZETTE & HERALD: THREE men are taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales but they are doing it with a difference.

Retired Army officers John Wyatt, 59, and Bob Boothroyd, 63, both from the Corsham area, and accountant Nic Karionas, 55, who lives in London, are going to cycle the 500 miles between the three mountains, which people don't usually do.

Mr Wyatt, who lives in Studley and works at the Services Cotswold Centre, on Lypiatt Road, Corsham, said the men would aim to complete the challenge in just six or seven days.

They have already raised £2,300 for St Dunstan's charity for blind ex-servicemen and are hoping to boost it by at least £700.

Mr Wyatt said: "It's a small charity and not as well known as others. In our view it does a fantastic job and can easily be forgotten.

"My mother is very short sighted and although she doesn't benefit from the charity I can see the suffering being short sighted or blindness causes people.

"Any serviceman, particularly those who lost their sight because of war, deserve all the support they can get."

The men will climb a total of 9,700ft when they attempt Mount Snowden in Wales, Scafell Pike in England and Scotland's Ben Nevis.

They will hike 22 miles and cycle 500 miles between June 18 and 25.

Mr Wyatt said: "It's an interesting challenge. If we do it in six days that really is quite something."

Readers can donate funds by visiting www.justgiving.co.uk/3peaksonbikes. Alternatively they can send a cheque, payable to St Dunstan's, to Mr Wyatt at the Services Cotswold Centre, Corsham, SN13 9TU.