THE family and friends of a man who drowned in a York river have climbed the national Three Peaks - with less than half an hour to spare.

Steven O’Neill, 29, from The Wirral, was one of five people who died in the city’s rivers in a tragic three-week period in April.

He fell in the Ouse early on Saturday, April 20, during a night out in York city centre.

His brother Michael and some close friends decided to raise funds for a bench to be installed near his grave in Frankby Cemetery in Pensby, Wirral.

Their challenge involved climbing the three highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales - Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon - in 24 hours.

They completed their feat at just after 6am today.

They have already raised £1,175 towards a goal of £1,200.

*To support the walkers, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/national-three-peaks-in-24-hours.