Weather scuppers five peak challenge

The challenge should end on Ben Nevis

A world record attempt by five climbers hoping to scale five British and Irish peaks in under 24 hours has been put on hold because of adverse weather.

The men, all from north-west England, were to start their charity challenge on Sunday on the 1,041 metres (3,415 feet) Carrantuohill, in the Irish Republic.

The attempt was led by Cumbrian property developer Brian Scowcroft, 46, who planned to use his helicopter to ferry the team between mountains.

His son Andrew, a Manchester-based trainee surveyor, said low cloud levels had prevented the team from taking off.

Lift awaited

"We are all a bit disappointed but we had a bit of a training session in the Lakes instead.

"We are hoping the cloud will lift and we will start climbing on Tuesday," he said.

The ascent of Carrantuohill will be followed by an attempt on Slieve Donard, in Northern Ireland, which stands at 852 metres (2,795 feet).

The team will then fly at 130mph across the Irish Sea to Wales to climb Snowdon, 1,085 metres (3,560 feet).

Practice run

They will go north from there to conquer Cumbria's Scafell Pike, at 978 metres (3,210 feet).

The challenge will be completed on Ben Nevis, which is 1,344 metres (4,409 feet).

Also on the climb are Mike Barton, 42, an estate agent from Troutbeck, Cumbria; Martin Battersby, 51, a sales manager from Manchester; and John Corry, a 50-year-old antiques dealer from Kentmere, Cumbria.

The team has been trained by mountaineer Chris Bonnington and in a practice attempt they completed the three British peaks in 11 hours and 10 minutes.

If successful, they will raise about £100,000 for the Kingmoor Park Properties Charitable Trust.

Should the weather hamper Tuesday's attempt, the team plans to try at the end of the week.