The route took in Whernside summit and the distant Ingleborough

A group of nearly 40 walkers and runners took to the Dales fells to help raise funds for a local rescue team.

The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation threw down the gauntlet to hardy hillgoers to complete the 39km (24-mile) course in less than 12 hours.

The route, taking in the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, was covered in less than 4½ hours by the fastest runner.

The event, which started in Horton in Ribblesdale, began in darkness and, for many participants, finished under night-time conditions in the short November daylight hours.

A spokesperson for the Cave Rescue Organisation, which carries out both fell and cave rescues in the Yorkshire Dales, said: “For once the weather was kind and there were no serious problems experienced by the walkers.

“Afterwards, CRO received many messages from those who took part, praising the support and encouragement from the team members who turned out to help.

“The CRO Challenge team would like to send a massive thank you to everyone who took part in the event and to congratulate them on their achievement.”

The Three Peaks Challenge has so far raised £4,000 for the volunteer team, which has been called out to 79 incidents so far this year.

The CRO also received £10,000 from the proceeds of the annual Broughton Game Show, which shares its profits equally between the Clapham team and the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, based in Grassington.