Ben More, on the Central Police team's home patch

A group of police officers plans to summit the highest peaks in each of the different police force areas in Scotland to raise money for charity.

Five Central Scotland Police officers will set out to climb the peaks in 48 hours for Cancer Research UK and Help for Heroes, which supports ex-servicemen. Two of their colleagues will provide transport and back-up.

The route, which the policemen say will entail more than 8,230m (27,000ft) of ascent, and will run from Callander police station to Ben Lawers in the Tayside Police area, Ben More, their home peak; Ben Cruachan, Strathclyde; Ben Nevis, Northern Constabulary; Ben MacDui, Grampian; West Lomond, Fife Constabulary; Broad Law, Lothian and Borders, and Merrick, Dumfries and Galloway.

The police team prepares for its challenge

The team, Constables Neil Silvester, Steven Scott, Niall Mackinnon, Greg Mckenzie and Sergeant Iain Denham, with back-up support from Constables Ricky Govan and Andy Faulds, plans to set off on 6 July.

Stirling based Constable Neil Silvester said: “We decided to do this for the two charities and we have called it Hills for Heroes. Two of us are ex-servicemen however we were all keen to raise money to support those who have been injured in the line of duty.

“We chose Cancer Research UK because some of us have had family and friends affected by this disease.”

He added: “It will be a gruelling physical challenge to us but it is a small sacrifice in comparison to what the serving members of the armed forces and those affected by cancer face on a daily basis.”

The police officers are aiming to raise £5,000, and already have donations of £3,000.  The walkers have set up a justgiving site for the public to donate to the appeal.