TWO friends from Yate are preparing to tackle a trio of teetering heights this weekend in the Three Peaks Challenge.

Grandad Jerry Milner and his friend of 18 years Danny O’Driscoll will be climbing the UK’s three highest peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon, in just 24 hours.

Fundraising stalwart Mr Milner, who runs Camb Machine Knives International on Armstrong Way, will be collecting for Bristol’s Cots for Tots appeal.

"I fancied the challenge and would like to raise money for such a good cause," he said. Asked why he had chosen this particular challenge, the 60-year-old said: "Stupidity!"

He added: "We have been training by walking through the woods and up the hills around North Nibley two to three times a week and for a few hours at a time."

Mr Milner, who last year raised £15,000 for charity by growing his hair and giving up alcohol for 12 months, is determined to complete the challenge.

"Whatever happens we will keep going until we finish," he said.

Mr O’Driscoll is also climbing for charity. The self-employed painter and decorator will be raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Yate teenager Jordan Thorn, whose battle with cancer ended last July at the age of 15.

Mr O’Driscoll is a close friend of Jordan’s parents Tim and Vanessa. He said: "Jordan’s mum and dad are lovely people and Jordan was a lovely young boy. I am raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of their son and because the charity were wonderful to him and his family."

Mr O’Driscoll has raised £1,300 so far and hopes to raise £100 more by the weekend.

The pair will set off for Snowdonia in the early hours of Friday morning.

Said Mr Milner: "When we get there we’ll have a chance to look at the problem we’ve got to face the next day. We’ll start walking about 4am on Saturday morning."

The men will be accompanied by a Scout leader and have a lot of support from their friends and families.

Mr Milner’s daughter Sarah Hitchings said: "He won’t give in, he’s such a caring and dedicated person and I know he’s going to do it."

To help sponsor them go to www.justgiving.com/Jerry-Milner0