Team climbs The Wrekin 36 times in 53 hours

It took them nearly 53 thours to complete and even the cover of darkness failed to stop them.

But a group of work colleagues from Telford has completed an astonishing feat, trekking up and down The Wrekin 36 times, totalling more than the height of the world's highest mountain Everest. Andy Neat, Andy Mills, Rob Lockley and Mark Harries took up the challenge in aid of the Skin Cancer Research Fund.

The challenge started at 8am on Friday and they finally completed it on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Neat, 25, of Stirchley, said: "I lost my dad, Glenn, to skin cancer five years ago and every year since I have been doing something a little bit outrageous to raise money for SCARF."

He added: "Thirty-six ascents is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest, which is approximately 29,000ft."

Previous challenges have included a run up Mount Snowdon in one hour, a triathlon and a football tournament. They have helped to raise up to £6,000 over the years.

Mr Neat said: "We started on Friday at 8am and have just been walking up and down The Wrekin continuously.

"We have had lots of training and medical advice. Our feet are sore and a bit sleep deprived but we are ecstatic at doing this."

The men, who work for electronic components company, Phoenix Contact in Halesfield, reached the summit for the 36th and final time at 12.40pm on Sunday. It had taken 52 hours and 40 minutes with a few short breaks.

Sarah Jennings, Mr Neat's fiance, said the team had raised more than £3,300 so far.

She said: "Two of them could not do all 36 climbs, but the two Andys did and the other two joined them again for the final climb."

Mr Neat said: "I just want to say thanks to everybody for the support."

To donate visit www.justgiving. com/wrekin-scarf