Twenty-five workmates have climbed the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, to raise money for good causes.

In the National Three Peaks Challenge, they ascended more than 10,000 feet as they climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

Each climb was expected to take four or five hours after which they were taken to the next summit by minibus with the support of mountain guides.

However, the group, who work for accountancy firm PwC, managed to climb Ben Nevis (four hours, 31 minutes), Scafell Pike (three hours, 20 minutes) and Snowdon (three hours) much quicker than that.

A total of £6,000 in sponsorship was raised and will be split between two charities: Motiv8 - the organisation dedicated to treating those affected by alcohol, drug and gambling addiction in the Isle of Man - and Cancer Research UK.

Paul Jones, a partner at PwC, which is based in Circular Road, Douglas, said: ’This was an amazing achievement by the staff, especially as our guide told us the majority of the groups fail to complete the challenge within 24 hours, simply due to modern traffic conditions.

’Given that we did so in a time of 23 hours 57 minutes, including a total travel time of 13 hours, is particularly pleasing, especially as the organisers often add 10 and a half hours for travel on top of mountain time, so we completed the challenge in its purest form.

’Since January, the team had been out and about on training walks in all weathers on the Manx hills. There were 24 training walks in all, taking in all 28 peaks over 1,000 ft multiple times.

’Indeed, the later walks lasted more than six hours and ascended over 3,500 feet high so we were well prepared.’

Earlier this year, staff also took part in a month-long challenge for the two charities.

A total of 52 employees battled it out for the title of Steps Challenge Champion. Anee du Toit was the eventual winner with 799,163 steps.

Over 31 days they collectively exceeded 16 million steps (an average of 10,000 a day) and a few of them took part in the Parish Walk with three members of staff actually completing it.

’The steps challenge has become an annual fixture in our calendar and this year forms part of a wider, greater personal challenge benefiting physical and mental health,’ said Mr Jones.

’We would like to thank our staff for their incredible efforts in trying to raise a fantastic amount for charity and for their overall support towards all of the firm’s corporate responsibility endeavours.’