HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised for charity through a gruelling ascent against the clock.

James Espin, The Press’s newspaper sales manager, and his two children have successfully climbed the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales to raise money for charity.

James, along with his son Tom, 16, and daughter Laura, 20, embarked upon a gruelling hike, aiming to reach the peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in only 24 hours.

The trio was part of a team of seven walkers, which also included John Charlton, Jette Emsley, Tony Charlton and Mike Charlton.

They had trained at the weekends before the climb but nothing could fully prepare them for what lay ahead.

James, who lives in Easingwold, said: “It was the most emotionally and physically challenging thing I have ever done.

“We faced a lot of bad weather and got lost on Scafell in the dark and mist, which was traumatic to say the least.”

Laura then fell ill between Scafell and Snowdon, and passed out as a result of dehydration after completing the Snowdon climb.

Although the delay caused by getting lost on Scafell meant they were now very much up against the clock, James and his children finished in just 23 hours, 39 minutes, managing to raise more than £700 in sponsorship.

They are donating the money to the charity CAST which works to improve the lives of those suffering in Belarus, Bulgaria, India, Romania and Uganda.

James said: “I really enjoyed it. We just wanted to raise money for a good cause and are extremely grateful to everybody who has supported us.”