A TEAM of police officers will be tackling three mountains in 24 hours at the weekend.

The five men, all based in west Wiltshire are taking part in the Three Peaks challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon in one day to raise money for charity.

Organiser, PC Bob Shepherd, said: "It was something I have always wanted to do and I decided it was about time I did and it is for a good cause."

The men will set off on the 4,406ft climb to the summit of Ben Nevis at 5.45am on Saturday and hope to complete their last climb, up Mount Snowdon, at 2am.

For PC Paul Scudds it is not the first physically draining challenge he has taken on, as last year he took part in the London Marathon.

He said: "This will be hard but it will also be enjoyable and I'm looking forward to it."

The charity they have chosen to support is Action Research, which for the last 50 years has funded medical research into many diseases affecting adults and children.

They have already raised some sponsorship, including £150 from Westbury taxi firm 24-7 and have been given the use of a van belonging to Chippenham building firm, Downing, Rudman and Bent.

Anyone who wants to sponsor them can call PC Scudds on (01380) 830826.