INTREPID trekkers from Dudley are planning a tenth anniversary pilgrimage to Ben Nevis.

The annual ascents of the Britain's highest peak have been taking place since former councillor Steve Waltho decided it was time to rekindle a link between Dudley and the Scottish mountain in the Highlands, located near the town of Fort William.

Legendary peace campaigner Bert Bissell, from Dudley, had climbed the Ben 107 times – taking hundreds of people to its summit where he had the world’s highest peace cairn built.

In 2014, after a meeting between Steve and fellow former Dudley mayor Dave Tyler and former Dudley MP Lord Ian Austin, it was decided that in honour of Bert an annual trip to Ben Nevis would take place.

Steve, an Alderman of Dudley and chairman of the Bert Bissell Memorial Society - which was formed in 2017, said: “This year will be the tenth anniversary of that first event which to date has seen 76 individuals complete 129 ascents of Britain's highest mountain.

“People have climbed with us for a variety of reasons whether simply to achieve the tough ascent of Britain’s highest peak, to raise money for charity which to date has exceeded £25k or even to scatter loved ones' ashes.

"Anyone is welcome to join us.”

Organisers will leave Dudley for Fort William by car on Thursday August 17 with a view to climbing Ben Nevis on Friday August 18.

Saturday can be spent exploring Fort William and those taking part in the trip can visit Bert's grave in Glen Nevis, if they wish, and view stained-glass windows from Dudley installed in Duncansburgh Parish Church before returning to Dudley on Sunday August 20.

Anyone interested in joining the group is asked to contact Steve Waltho by emailing stevewaltho@hotmail.co.uk or call 07703 308463 by Saturday March 4.