THE Mayor of Dudley is hoping to reach new heights for his charity appeal by tackling the tallest mountain in the British Isles.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif will be leading a team of 27 walkers to the summit of Ben Nevis today (Thursday) as part of the Bert Bissell Memorial Walk.

They hope to reach the summit, which is 1,346m above sea level, in six hours and plan to visit 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 will raise funds for the mayor's charities, Friends of Alfie Johnson, Diabetes UK and Dudley CIL, but he is unable to take part due to injury.

The team left from National Express' Pensnett depot yesterday (Wednesday) as the transport company kindly agreed to take them to Scotland after more people than ever before signed up for the challenge.

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

“We’re all really grateful to National Express for their support which means more people can 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.”

Tom Stables, Managing Director of National Express said: "This is a fantastic event, and this year promises to be the biggest and best yet.

"Supporting our local communities is extremely important to us and we are delighted to be able to provide the transport for the fundraising team. We wish them every success in their efforts."

Anyone who would like to sponsor the team can do so via www.bertbissellmemorialwalk.co.uk.