An Ilkley man is to lead a local team of six in an intrepid assault of no fewer than 14 of the highest Welsh peaks in just 24 hours.

Andrew Thorpe, 38, last year walked the Dales Way in two days, but has now set his sights on the tougher Welsh3000s challenge, taking place in May.

He, along with friends Mike Scriven, Pete Scriven, Richard Box, James Mann, Graeme Comerford and Steve Miles will be required to have reached the top of all Welsh mountains over 3,000ft within the space of 24 hours, and without using any form of transport.

Describes as “a big step up” from the Three Peaks Challenge, the walk is only suitable for very fit and experienced hill walkers.

The length of the walk is about 24 miles – although the walks to the start point and down from the finishing point can take it to a total of more than 30 miles. The terrain is rocky, and both uphill and downhill sections are said to be demanding.

Mr Thorpe’s team, most of whom are parents, will be raising money for Martin House Children’s Hospice, Boston Spa.

The team are working on their fitness in the gym, as well as doing other exercise including playing football, in preparation for the hike. They will be supported on their trek by family members, who will be waiting at the bottom of each mountain with food, drink and spare clothing as required.

But each of them will carry drinks and energy food bars with them.

Mr Thorpe said: “It’s a bit of a personal challenge.

‘‘We did something last year, and thought every year from now we were going to set ourselves a little challenge.”

All the group of friends, except for Mr Comerford, live in the Ilkley area.

The team felt they wanted to support Martin House in recognition of its work with sick youngsters and their families.

To sponsor them visit justgiving. com/Welsh3000walk.