EIGHT men from Dorchester have given themselves more than a mountain to climb – literally.

The group, which includes Dorchester Cricket Club’s first-team captain Martyn Richards, will aim to conquer Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike all within a 24-hour period in June.

The Three Peaks Challenge begins at the foot of Ben Nevis on Wednesday, June 10 at 5pm and all three mountains must be completed by the same time on the following day.

The group, made up of nine adventurous souls in all, will negotiate 26 miles of climbing as well as a 500-mile drive between the three landmarks.

The main idea behind the challenge is to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Doug Read Scorebox.

Read was a stalwart of the county town community and Dorchester CC in particular but sadly passed away in May 2008.

Read’s son Adam will take part in the gruelling task alongside Richards who said: “It was Adam’s idea as he wanted to do something to mark the passing of his dad Doug.

“We will be raising money for the MS Society and the Doug Read Scorebox, so we’re hoping to raise as much as we can.”

Fellow county town cricketers Rob Waite and Stuart Voss will also brave the heights as will Mark Derrien, Ross Nicholas, Tom Prowse and Simon Slade.

The contingent are currently being sponsored by Gary Easter from the Dorchester Health Club and David Upshall Insurance, but remain on the lookout for more help with travel costs.

Anyone interested can visit the Victoria Hotel on Dagmar Road or the United Reform Church on South Street – both in Dorchester.

Alternatively contact Richards by emailing cideriup@hotmail.com