DUDLEY charity walkers took a step in the right direction for good causes by raising a whopping £4,600.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin along with mayor’s consort Cllr Adam Aston, deputy mayor Cllr Steve Waltho and Cllr Dave Tyler trekked up Ben Nevis in honour of borough hero Bert Bissell.

The team planted a Black Country flag on the top of the Scottish peak, which Mr Bissell climbed every year for half a century after first reaching the summit in 1945 on VJ day to construct a peace cairn.

Ian Austin said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by local people’s generosity, it goes to show the enduring legacy of Bert’s work in the community.

“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’m really grateful to everyone who made a donation, I know this will make a big difference to local charities.”

Half of the money will go to the mayor’s charities Action Heart and Guide dogs with the rest being split between the Children’s Unit at Russells Hall, the local Royal British Legion and Black Country Fast Aid to support local ambulances.

Bert Bissell, a Dudley probation officer, founded the Young Men's Bible Class at Vicar Street in Dudley.

There is a monument dedicated to him in Coronation Gardens opposite Dudley Council House.