A SEDGLEY teenager's "courage and determination" has been recognised after he battled through thick fog and torrential rain to conquer Britain's highest mountain.

Climbing Ben Nevis was the hardest thing 13-year-old Ben Corfield has ever done but he hopes his accomplishment will inspire more youngsters to take part in next year's Bert Bissell Memorial Walk.

The High Arcal School student was the youngest member of the team, who completed the trek last month to raise money for borough charities in memory of the mountain climber and peace campaigner from Dudley.

The teenager showed "sheer grit and determination" to reach the summit, which is 1,346m above sea level, in five hours.

But when Ben and his father Damian, who was also part of the team, reached the top, they had just minutes to enjoy the view, take photographs and enjoy refreshments before being forced to head back down.

"The weather was so bad," said Mr Corfield, "But Ben had set his mind to it and we managed to make it down in six-and-a-half hours.

"I don't think he really believed he'd be able to conquer it, he was bullied quite badly and his self esteem was really low, so to climb Ben Nevis, especially on such a bad day was a huge achievement.

"He lost his grandfather in January, which was a massive shock for him so he really wanted to do it for him, that was his drive."

Since completing the trek, Mr Corfield said he has noticed a huge difference in his son: "He's turned into a young adult, he has his self esteem back and seems more confident. He believes if he can climb Ben Nevis in those conditions, he can conquer the world and that is something I am really proud of as a parent.

"He is keen to get involved now with other fund raising events and demonstrate to others if you put your mind to something no matter how impossible you might think they are you can succeed."

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Mohammed Hanif, attended an assembly on Friday, to present him with a citizen and resilience award on behalf of the school.

He was also given a certificate of achievement on from his fellow climbers, who collectively managed to raise £7,000 for cllr Hanif's chosen charities, Friends of Alfie Johnson, Diabetes UK and Dudley CIL.