A GROUP led by Dudley North MP Ian Austin is heading north for a tribute trek in honour of a local hero.

Ben Nevis is the destination for a trip to raise charity cash and pay tribute to mountaineer, peace campaigner and charity fundraiser Bert Bissell.

Mr Austin, along with the Mayor’s consort Cllr Adam Aston, the Deputy Mayor Cllr Steve Waltho, Cllr Dave Tyler and businessman Shaz Saleem will be heading up the mountain on Wednesday August 6.

Ian Austin said: “He was a great friend of my family and I remember him well. He was a legendary figure and an inspiration to so many of us.

“I’ve often thought we ought to do something in his memory and climbing the mountain he conquered so many times to raise money for local charities seems a fitting tribute.”

Mr Bissell, who died in 1998 aged 96, lived in Dudley and founded the Young Men's Bible Class at Vicar Street in the town.

He climbed Ben Nevis more than 100 times, including on VJ Day in 1945 and built a peace cairn at its summit.

He was made a freeman of Dudley borough in 1981 and there is a monument to him at Coronation Gardens opposite the Council House.

For more information, including details of the charities the walkers will be supporting, visit www.bertbissellmemorialwalk.co.uk