A WEYMOUTH team will take on a mountain climbing challenge for the Air Ambulance.

David Thornton was overwhelmed with pride for his son Joe, after he completed the National Three Peaks Challenge last year in an impressive 22 hours 58 minutes. Mr Thornton was the navigator on the expedition and this year, father and son will team up again, together with friends to do the 2014 challenge for the Dorset and Somerset Air ambulance.

Mr Thornton and Joe have joined forces with friends Andy Williams, John Cartwright, Matt Garner, Mike Rice, Nathan Bennett and Neil Strudwick, to form the ‘Upwey Shipheads’ team – named after the pub they regularly drink at.

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves walking the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours. This is not an easy feat – participants often face poor weather conditions and it is easy to get lost.

The team have enlisted a support crew, Carl Lock and Mike Rowland to help them. The team will be holding a fundraising evening tomorrow from 7pm at the Old Ship Inn to raise money for the air ambulance. There will be a raffle and disco and band The Frontiers and Neil Coad will provide the entertainment. Joe said: “I am excited to do the trek for the second time and I am hoping the group weekly walks in the hilly countryside at Lulworth will be adequate training for the high mountain peaks.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to all local business that have pledged support, specifically Dorset Vehicle Rental who are supplying one of their minibuses and Stylish Stitches who have kindly made us team T-shirts. “Any donations would be gratefully received.”

To sponsor the team visit www.just-giving.com/Upwey-Shipheads1