Two members of staff at the Truro office of accountants Bishop Fleming have raised over £2,600 for charity by climbing three mountain peaks in the space of 24 hours.

The impressive achievement came after the duo were challenged by Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust to scale the three peaks. Natercia Hughes and Pauline Jenkins, who work in Bishop Fleming's Newham Road office, climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales in just under 24 hours.

The two intrepid mountaineers left Truro, travelling to Glasgow by coach before battling through rain and 60 mph winds to climb Ben Nevis (1,345 Metres) in just under six hours. They then travelled by minibus to Scafell Pike (978 Metres), where, starting at 3.30am, they climbed the mountain in just under four hours. And still with plenty of energy left, they then drove to Snowden (1,085 Metres), which they climbed in less than two and a half hours.

That was a combined walk of over 40 Kilometres and a climb of over 3,400 metres in the space of a day. Over 2,000 miles were travelled in total - from Cornwall to Glasgow to Fort William to the Lake District to Snowdonia back to Cornwall.

Pauline said: "Snowdon hurt. The weather was hot and sticky and our legs were tired and weary, but we completed the three peaks challenge."

Natercia added: "What stunning views. We were told that we were lucky to get two such clear views from the three peaks. Adding our personal climb times and the travel between the peaks, we managed to complete the challenge just within the 24 hour timescale - a wonderful feeling."

The challenge was organised by Cornwall Air Ambulance to tie in with both the charity's 30th anniversary and that of Bishop Fleming 30 years in Truro. The charity helped a great deal with arrangements, particularly by supplying transport and refreshments.

Money was also raised by the two women organising a special quiz night with other members of Bishop Fleming's staff. In particular, Bishop Fleming partner, Ian Fraser set the questions and Sean Mitchell, Ewan McClymont, Robert Bailey and Lucy Langdon helped out on the night.

Truro partner Ian Fraser said: "It was an amazing feat by Pauline and Natercia. They had hoped to raise £2,000 for Cornwall Air Ambulance, but the total is now over £2,600 thanks to the quiz proceeds and generous donations to the Just Giving page and support from Santander."