A team of Ashby-based tree surgeons have succeeded in their charity bid to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest by repeatedly scaling a town centre tree.

The climbers, who all work at Eden Tree Care & Fencing in Newbold, spent 10 exhausting hours climbing up and down their chosen chestnut tree at the Bath Grounds to raise funds for children and young people's mental health charity YoungMinds.

Using ropes attached at a height of 60ft, the team operated a relay system - only counting the 'ups' towards their target 29,000ft - the same as the world's highest mountain.

Team member and Eden Tree Care employee Chris Cunliffe, who dreamed up the fundraising idea, said: "I'm extremely proud to have been involved.

"The team gave up their bank holiday and everyone's massive effort has got its reward by raising an amazing total for charity - £350 on the day and almost £4,500 in total through the online fundraising page.

"We set ourselves an initial target of £2,000 so we are very grateful to everyone who has donated."

John Smithard, who runs the business with partner Robert Kendrick, added: "The challenge was more physically exhausting than anticipated - and took almost double the time we thought it would.

"There's a reason it has not been attempted before!

"I'd like to thank Jack and Natalie at Ashby Town Council for allowing us the use of the tree in the Bath Grounds, Mayor of Ashby Cllr Graham Allman - who also came down on the day to cheer us on - Laurence Fox for setting up the ice cream stall, Chris for coming up with the idea and doing most of the organising and everyone who came to support us."