THE Mayor of Dudley reached dizzy new heights for his charity appeal when he tackled the tallest mountain in the British Isles.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif led a team of 27 walkers to the summit of Ben Nevis on Thursday, as part of the Bert Bissell Memorial Walk.

The reach the summit, which is 1,346m above sea level, in just under six hours and visited the memorial to Bert Bissell, a mountain climber and peace campaigner from Dudley, along the way.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin organised the annual event, which raised £4,000 so far for the mayor's charities, Friends of Alfie Johnson, Diabetes UK and Dudley CIL, but was unable to take part due to injury.

The team, who were driven to Scotland in a National Express coach, included councillors Steve Waltho, Keiran Casey and the chairman of Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association, Shaz Saleem.

Cllr Hanif said: “This was the second time I have taken on the mountain climb challenge and I am amazed at the number of people who volunteered to give up their time to take part.

“I’m also really grateful to everyone who has sponsored the walk.

"Their support will make a real difference for three brilliant local charities. It is humbling to think that Bert Bissell’s legacy is still having this impact in our community.”

Mr Austin added: "I think the team did a brilliant job, battling the terrible weather and freezing temperatures to reach the summit and raise thousands for Mayor Mo’s charities.

“I’m really grateful to National Express for sponsoring the climb and I’m looking forward to next year already so anyone who would like to join us should get in touch.”

Anyone who wants to boost the team's total, can do so via www.bertbissellmemorialwalk.co.uk.