A TEAM of businessmen which is tackling a mountainous charity challenge has scaled Ireland's highest peak.

And the group admits the ascent of the1,039-metre-high Carrauntoohil in County Kerry, was among the toughest yet.

"It was one of the most daunting climbs we'd faced but both the experiences on the ascent and the images from the summit were ones to behold," said group member Rob Lewis, from Steeton.

"Due to a quirk of mother nature and the topography of the mountain, half way up the climb there is a point between two passes where clouds naturally form and then drift slowly downwards. There is a tale that this is the place where angels gather and head down the mountain to greet travellers and protect brave souls on their ascent.

"We're not particularly religious, but to be frank any assistance – be it physical or spiritual – was more than welcome!

"We were all looking forward to the Ireland trip as we knew it would be a good 'craic', but throughout the experience, the challenge of the climb and the good work we were doing continued to remind us it wasn't just about having a good time – it was more than that."

The group, known as the Walk Society, aims to scale 12 mountains in as many months to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

It has now completed ten, with its next target Esk Pike, in the Lake District.

Mr Lewis was inspired to raise funds for the cause after his young daughter Georgia fell from her horse and suffered serious head injuries.

Her mum Danielle, a paediatric sister, was on hand to provide immediate first aid and the youngster was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary.

Georgia, who was five at the time, was treated by LGI's specialist trauma team and remained in hospital for over a week.

She has since made a full recovery.

To follow the group's exploits, visit facebook.com/12x12MountainChallenge.

Go to justgiving.com/teams/12x12 to make a donation.