BUSINESSES have been encouraged to swap the bottom line for the top of a mountain.

The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest points in England, Scotland and Wales Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Mount Snowdon respectively in 24 hours.

This year the Mitchemp Trust, the charity set up to raise funds for underprivileged children in Wiltshire, is encouraging as many teams from businesses to take part as possible.

It wants to get firms signed up quickly.

The challenge takes place over the weekend of July 2 and 3 and involves driving between the three peaks as well as climbing them.

Swindon-born explorer David Hempleman-Adams, who foun-ded the Mitchemp trust with Major Richard Mitchell in 1992, will also be taking part.

He said: "I've seen this challenge motivate and inspire people to achieve things they thought weren't possible. "I'm entering my own team this year and it would be good to see as many people as possible taking part and helping us to raise funds to support vulnerable young children from Wiltshire."

Swindon Chamber of Commerce and GWR FM are backing the Mitchemp Trust's push this year, which is hoped to attract about 30 companies from Wiltshire and Swindon.

Gear up for the challenge

Scafell Pike is 978 metres, Ben Nevis is 1,344 metres, and Snowdon 1,085 metres.

The Mitchemp Trust recommends no team is smaller than five members, for safety reasons, or greater than seven, to make sure it does not split up.

Each team has to raise £5,000 for the Mitchemp Trust.

The challenge does not require extreme levels of fitness, but some training is recommended.

The Mitchemp Trust works with vulnerable children aged between 11 and 14, taking them on camps and activities to improve their self-esteem. It works with schools and social services.

To find out more about the challenge and enter a team telephone Mitchemp Trust director Mark Davey on 07811 261516.

More details are also available at www.mitchemptrust.org.uk