A TEAM of volunteers from a vet's practice has raised nearly £7,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind after taking part in a mountain challenge.

Three vets, three receptionists, and one nurse from Marske Vets in Marske, near Redcar, along with a nurse's son, took part in the Keswick Challenge.

To collect their sponsorship, team members had to complete a six-mile canoe paddle, a 26-mile cycle and a ten-mile mountain walk.

They joined 20 other groups taking part in the challenge to raise money for Guide Dogs.

Vet James Haddow said: "It took a massive effort and was really exhausting, but we enjoyed the challenge of doing it.

"We only needed a team of six, but we had eight, so instead of needing just four of the team of six to complete the course to qualify, we were told that all eight of us had to get through to that stage."

The team, who had no canoeing experience had several setbacks on route, including two broken bikes.

But they finished within the ten-hour limit, clocking up eight hours and 35 minutes.

"We all felt proud of our success," said Mr Haddow.