MEMBERS of the Chard RFC under 16s squad have raised almost £3000 for charity after completing the International Three Peaks Challenge.

Nine of the members and six adults took part in the fire service challenge to raise money for Chard's RFC and the Firefighters Charity.

The team managed to complete the challenge in under 24 hours and were awarded safest drivers and the fastest youth team for the year.

Martin Carnell, a squad coach, had the idea of entering the competition to not only raise money for charity, but to also keep layers fitness and interest levels up during the 'off season'.

He said: “We were immensely proud when we got back to Chard.

“Thank you to Holyrood Academy for allowing the lads to organise a fundraiser which contributed £720 of the total, Tescos in Chard where a day of bag packing netted £265 and to all the people who sponsored us.”