Pair go up Snowdon in panto horse

Peter Phenna in front, while Rob Snellgrove is hidden from view

Two friends have dressed as a pantomime horse to climb the tallest mountain in Wales and England.

Wind howled and the rain poured down as Peter Phennah and Rob Snellgrove gamely trotted up Snowdon's 1,085m (3,560ft).

But the 18-year-olds, from the Wrexham area, made it and raised money for a trip to help rebuild an area of northern Morocco hit by an earthquake.

"We met lots of walkers who were very surprised to encounter a mountaineering pantomime horse," said Rob.

The journey took several gruelling hours in the outfit hired from a local pub, with the two friends taking it in turns to be the back and front of the horse.

We met lots of walkers who were very surprised to encounter a mountaineering pantomime horse Rob Snellgrove

"I don't think we could have chosen a worse day to do our challenge, because it was raining pretty much all the time we were on the mountain, and the wind was strong too," said Rob.

They were fed and watered by friends who accompanied them carrying their provisions.

Rob who is from the village of Hope, and is considering going to university after completing A-levels, said other walkers were bemused and amused to come across them, "although most of them commented that we must have been mad".

Cloud cover

He said: "We chatted to many of them and explained why we were doing it, and a few people even donated some money towards our charity project.

Made it: Peter and Rob (centre) with friends Jason and Ieuan at the top

"Some people asked if they could have a photo with the horse, which was fun too," added Rob.

When they reached the top on Saturday they did not even have the satisfaction of enjoying the view, because the cloud cover was so low.

Peter, of Gwersyllt, who is doing an apprenticeship in fabrication and welding, admitted the trek had been "horrible" and both were "very achey" the day after.

However, he added: "We can laugh now, but it wasn't very funny, although it was all for a good cause."

But, said Rob: "Nevertheless, we had a great sense of achievement at completing our challenge, and we have already collected lots of sponsor money."

The pair plan to use the money they raise to visit Al Hoceima to help rebuilding work after a 2004 earthquake, a campaign they learned about through church.