A GROUP of businessmen has completed stage two of a mountainous challenge in support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The adventurers aim to conquer the 12 highest peaks in the UK and Ireland, tackling one a month.

The group – labelled the walk society – completed its first peak, Skiddaw, in January.

Now members have notched-up their second conquest, Cross Fell, in the north Pennines.

They had to contend with high winds, mud, snow and ice.

"I thought January's climb was tough but Cross Fell was a proper slog," said member Rob Lewis, from Steeton, managing director of credit control agency Corporate & Commercial.

"But as we all said on the way up and down – trudging through the snow and ice – we're doing it for the greater good, so let's just crack on!"

Next, the 10-or-so members have their sights set on two peaks in one day – Ill Crag and Broad Crag, in the Lake District.

The group had set a fundraising target of £3,000, but would now like to raise at least £10,000 – which would cover the cost of operating the air ambulance for a day.

To follow the walk society, visit its Facebook page, facebook.com/12x12MountainChallenge.

Donations can be given at justgiving.com/teams/12x12.