A GROUP of young people from a mentoring and self help programme were on top of the world this week after climbing the highest mountain in England and Wales.

The 11 teenagers from Swindon Mentoring and Self Help – SMASH – were attempting to climb 1,085 metres to the top of Mount Snowdon and five of them made it in an impressive time of four hours.

Having got soaked the day before on their practice climb, they were delighted that the sun was shining when they set off on the Miner’s Track just before 9am on Wednesday.

At the half way point, six of them, although thrilled with their achievement, realised they weren’t going to make it all the way.

The other five, led by project worker Caroline Peirce and mountaineering guide Andy, carried on to the top.

After a quick drink and snack the group tackled the steeper descent known as the Pyg Track and reached the bottom in just two and a half hours.

As well as providing one-to-one mentoring, SMASH organises events and activities to give young people new opportunities that will challenge and inspire them.

Caroline said: “I’m so proud of them all and their achievement. The team spirit was fantastic and everybody supported one another, they were inspirational.

“None of them had ever done anything like this before and even as we were walking up the mountain they were asking ‘what can we do next?’ “On the way home they were planning ways to raise money so SMASH can arrange another challenge.”

Visit www.smash-youth-project.co.uk, email admin@smashyouthproject.

co.uk or call 01793 729748.