Schoolchildren scaled the highest mountain in Britain twice — without leaving Wallingford.

Pupils from Fir Tree Junior School in Radnor Road, including nine-year-old Joshua Spindlow took it in turns to brave the climbing wall at the Castle Leisure Centre aiming to scale the equivalent of Ben Nevis.

The Scottish mountain sits 1,344 metres above sea level, but the 172 children did so well they managed to climb double the height.

Governor and parent Nick Castle came up with the idea for the all-day sponsored challenge to raise £2,000 for new climbing equipment for the school’s playground.

School manager Carolyn Ventress said: “A few of them did it and decided they wanted another go “The look on their faces once they achieved it was worth everything. Some of them raced to the top.”

She added: “We were very well supported by the parents and governors who helped get the kids up and down and putting harnesses on.”