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Gloucestershire police officers are hiking up one of Britain’s toughest mountains to raise money for a military charity.

The expedition on Pen-Y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons is being organised by PCs Roni Dadge and Wayne Qualter, of the Domestic Abuse Unit.

Both are former members of the military as is another climber, acting Sgt Launa Wallace. Luckily for the group of nine, PC Qualter is also a qualified mountain leader.

PC Dadge said: “Our inspiration to complete this comes from the constant and distressing daily news coverage of our military personnel returning wounded often fatally.

“Their courage and determination to continue to live full lives should be an inspiration to us all.”

Pen-Y-Fan is the highest peak in South Wales standing at 886 metres.

The challenge, on August 1 this year, will see the team walking to the summit and down three times within eight hours, covering 15 miles. Money raised will go to Help for Heroes.

PC Dadge added: “Pen-Y-Fan is also used as a training ground by military personnel so we realise that the expedition will require grit and determination.

“Whilst the participants are all relatively fit [aged between 30 and their mid 40s] we do envisage that we will encounter the usual problems with blisters along with sore and aching muscles.

“Consideration will have to be given to the weather conditions which can be very changeable at the summit. With a very experienced mountain leader on board we have no doubt that it will be a very safe and successful expedition.”

Two support staff will also travel with the party and help with fund raising at the bottom of the mountain.

Anyone who wants to donate to the cause can do so by visiting

www.bmycharity.com/penyfantrichallenge