AN 85-year-old Bewdley man has walked to the top of the highest peak in Wales to raise money for his church.

Allen Birch made it to the summit of Mount Snowdon in six and a half hours on Saturday.

The great-grandfather completed the challenge to raise funds for the rebuilding of the kitchen facilities, estimated at £30,000, at Callow Hill Methodist Church.

Mr Birch helps cook the dinners and waits on tables at a monthly lunch club at the chapel that welcomes pensioners from 20 churches.

The planned works, which would improve accessibility, would enable more elderly people in the community to visit the popular club.

The former Scout leader, who has led expeditions up Ben Nevis and the Swiss Alps, still walks 12 miles every Saturday to keep fit.

The modest fund-raiser, who was accompanied on the mission by his friend, Damien Chance, said: "I don't understand what all the fuss is about because I felt like I could have climbed up the mountain again when I had finished."

The retired building manager, who worked at Kidderminster's Brintons Carpets, was aided in his mission by a 100-year-old Scout thumb-stick given to him by his father.

Mr Birch said: "I know that I am fortunate because I am in good health and still feel fit. My age doesn't mean anything because I still feel well and things like this keep me busy."

Rev Paul Booth, minister at Callow Hill Methodist Church, described Mr Birch's achievement as "wonderful".

He added: "I know that he doesn't like people making reference to his age but the energy he shows is just amazing. We are all grateful for his efforts."

Anybody wishing to donate funds for the rebuilding of the kitchen at the church can call Mr Booth on 01299 826641.

A courageous Stourport teenager has vowed to complete her fund-raising mountain mission after being forced to postpone last Saturday's attempt.

Charlotte Worton was due to walk up Mount Snowdon to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital's Liver Unit where she underwent a life-saving transplant operation in April.

Doctors advised the youngster, who lives in Ash Grove, to call off the challenge because of concerns for her health following blood tests.

Charlotte is now back home safe and well after a scan ruled out the early fear that her body could be rejecting her new liver.

Despite the setback, the Stourport High School pupil has said that she is hoping to do the fund-raising walk on October 1.

Anybody wishing to sponsor Charlotte can call her father, Philip Worton, on 01299 823581.