YOUNG people scaled the highest mountain in the world to raise money for charity.

But the youngsters completed the challenge to climb Mount Everest without having to go anywhere near the famous peak.

Instead they climbed up a 29ft pole 1,000 times – the equivalent height of Mount Everest – at Cotswold Country Park and Beach for young people’s charity Inner Flame.

And they didn’t stop there – climbing the pole an extra 168 times for good measure.

Led by Glenn Bridges, co-founder of Inner Flame, the team of 10 climbed the pole in continuous relay on Saturday and had completed the challenge of 1,000 climbs by 2.30 on Sunday morning.

Glenn said: “I am extremely happy with what the team achieved. It was a very hard challenge and we supported each other the whole way through, particularly in the early hours of the morning when legs and bodies are very tired.

“We kept our spirits up and in the end climbed the pole 1,168 times.”

The average age of the endurance team was 18. The youngest, at just 12, was Jamie Wreathall the son of Inner Flame’s co-founder, David, who completed an incredible 200 climbs and raised more than £580.

Over the weekend, the team challenged members of the public to have a go, with many visitors and supporters climbing a second pole alongside, or trying a freefall jump or even the ‘Leap of Faith’ onto a trapeze, 10 metres above the ground.

Swindon’s Secret Millionaire Caroline Marsh was one of those to take part, while five-year-old Francesca Benjamin also climbed the pole.

David Wreathall said: “We’re very grateful to over 15 volunteers who helped out, and to Head 4 Heights and The Watermark Club for their support and facilities.”

The event helped raise much needed funds to enable young people to attend ‘Fire Me Up!’, a new four-day course helping youngsters find purpose and motivation in their lives.

The next course is taking place between August 25 and 28 at Braeside in Devizes. For more information about Inner Flame, visit www.innerflame.org.uk or call David Wreathall on 0771 896 8609 or Glenn Bridges on 0751 714 7454.