Lee Harris and Lesley McCartney, back centre, celebrate their successful final ascent of the Old Man of Coniston with friends and colleagues from Coniston MRT Photo: No Routes Found

A mountain rescuer has climbed the height of Everest to raise funds for his team.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team member Lee Harris completed 14 climbs of his local mountain, along with fellow Scout group leader Lesley McCartney.

The pair began their ascents of the Old Man of Coniston on 11 May and celebrated clocking up the 8,848m equivalent of Everest’s height less than a week later.

Both are leaders with the 1st Hawkshead Scout Group, and proceeds will be split between the youth group and the rescue team.

During their trips up the 803m (2,635ft) fell, the pair met several groups of Gurkhas from Nepal.

A Coniston team spokesperson said: “Lee and Lesley were joined on various ascents by friends and colleagues from Coniston MRT.

“The final ascent saw the intrepid pair set off with a few other MRT members, and others meeting them on the way and a few more colleagues and supporters waiting at the summit, where they enjoyed a glass of bubbly to celebrate.”

The challenge has so far raised almost £1,400, surpassing the pair’s goal of £1,000. Donations can still be made on their Virgin Money Giving page. http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=leeharriseverest&pageUrl=2