Usually it’s teachers setting challenges for pupils.

But the deputy head of The Westlands School in Sittingbourne - Neil Golding, has managed to persuade 15 members of staff to give up their half term break to join him on the Three Peaks Challenge.

The group will set off on June 2 to take part in the charity event which will see them climbing to the summits of the three highest peaks in Britain - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, in just 24 hours.

The team consists of head teacher Jon Whitcombe, senior staff, classroom teachers and support staff all of whom will be supported by Max Webb, head of construction, who will be driving a mini-bus in between the mountains.

Mr Golding said: “This was something that I wanted to do and I thought I’d see if any of my colleagues would want to join me. I was amazed by the interest and now we have a large but dedicated team. Having such a large team will present some logistical difficulties as well as the issues of keeping together to make the time – but it does show the spirit and determination of our staff.”

Despite the cold weather the team has been training after school throughout the winter.

He added: “We have been putting them through it but I have been pleased with the response.

“It is hard to train for such a specific event as we don’t have too many mountains in this part of Kent and I am told the main issue is mental toughness. However, we have been doing running, circuits and hill work and we plan to attack local hills soon. To me the highlight has been the team spirit that is developing.”

The staff aim to raise £10,000 for a charity, which is yet to be chosen, through pupil sponsorship, staff support and parental donations.

Mr Golding said: “We will soon be sitting down to plan logistics and select our chosen causes. We will then contact the school population and wider community to seek support.”