A team of five men climbed nearly half the height of Mount Everest in 21 hours, raising £6,500 to help support young people in the area.

They completed the 15 Peaks Challenge, known as the Welsh 3000s, in Wales last weekend to raise money for youth work in Wiltshire and Bath, delivered by the Christian faith-based charity Youth for Christ The Wiltshire and Bath Youth for Christ team ascended more than 13,000 feet, covering the Carneddau, Snowdon Massif and Glyderau ranges, as well as tackling Crib Goch, a terrifyingly narrow, craggy ridge with a 1,000ft drop either side.

James Vaughton, director of Wiltshire and Bath Youth for Christ, was joined by his brother Tom Vaughton, trustee of the charity Dan Jones, staff member Dave Joyce, and friend John Fuggle.

James, 37, from Bradford on Avon, said: “In the middle section, Glyderau, there was no visibility on the tops because of low cloud and it was like a large boulder field. It was very tough as there was the risk to get your foot stuck in a gap and fall over.

“Mentally it was tough and it was a challenge to balance our food intake.

“Every summit was a highlight, even when it was cloudy. It makes you feel really alive. Early in the morning it was beautiful with the sun coming up and it was really quiet.

“Thank you to everyone for their thoughts, prayers, encouragements and sponsorship.”

Bath Youth for Christ works with the local authority, schools and police as a mentoring service and is expanding into Wiltshire after helping young people in Bath for 30 years.

The money raised will go towards appointing a youth worker in Trowbridge and setting up youth cafe drop-in style projects in the area.

Mr Vaughton, who aims to continue fundraising, said the money would give young people a chance to connect with other youngsters and positive adult role models. To donate visit www.give.net/15peaks