Pupils and teachers from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School took part in the national three peak challenge at the weekend to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The charity helped treat 16-year-old Alex Dawson, from Alverthorpe, who died from a rare from of bone cancer in November.

The intrepid fundraisers started with Ben Nevis in Scotland at 6pm on Sunday, what would have been Alex's 17th birthday, climbing in wet and dark conditions.

Next up, with a 5.40am start on Monday, was Scafell Pike in the Lake District, shortly followed by Snowden in North Wales.

The team narrowly missed out on their 24-hour target, coming in just 20 minutes over.

Alex's twin brother, Patrick, who was one of nine QEGS pupils who took part, said: "It was a lot harder than we expected. I think we just thought that we'd stroll up the mountains. It was a real challenge and we had very little sleep but it was very positive."

Since Alex died thousands of pounds have been raised for the TCT, the Bone Cancer Research Trust and the Jigsaw Palliative Care Team through sponsored relay races, rugby matches and school events.

The team hopes the final fundraising figure from the three peaks will be £30,000. To donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/aldawson_ threepeaks