OPTICIANS have put on their walking boots to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge on June 23, raising more than £4,500 for Crewe-based charities.

Ten colleagues from across the Specsavers stores in Crewe and Nantwich took part in the challenge in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, Climb and the Iris Vision Resource Centre, during which they scaled the three tallest mountains in the UK in just 24 hours.

The challenge tested both their mental and physical strength, at 23 miles long, and with an ascent of over 10,000 foot – which is twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks

The colleagues who took part were Abbie Worrall, Andrew Montgomery, Bethan Melbourne, Gemma Colclough, Hattie Kenworthy, Jade Martin, John Williams, Lesley Kendall, Michael Elleray and Stephen Davenport.

Michael Elleray, a store director at Crewe Specsavers who took part in the trek, said: “Though it was a tough challenge, it really was an amazing experience.

“We always enjoy raising money for a good cause, and the Three Peaks seemed like the perfect test to help us raise as much as possible.”