A GROUP of friends from Stoke St Gregory Primary school set themselves the challenge of climbing three of Somerset's most iconic peaks to raise money for Bridgwater Food bank.

Youngsters, Freddie Pook, 9, Toby Sadler, 9, Findlay France, 8 and Nellie Pook, 7, climbed the three peaks on Sunday, October 16 with some of their family for support.

Freddie had the idea after the food bank visited his school for an assembly during Harvest.

The children wanted to do more than just give a tin or two of beans so 'The Somerset Three Peak Challenge', emerged where they decided to climb Brent Knoll, Glastonbury Tor and Burrow Mump all in one day.

The challenge included around 10km of walking and1,000 ft of ascent.

The children, also members of 1st Stoke St Gregory scout Group, have a strong sense of adventure and moral responsibility.

Jason Pook, Freddie's father, had nothing but praise for the children: "They have done brilliantly, it shows that children today have a real sense of duty and are willing to go above and beyond to help others.

"This was all their own idea; we are very proud of them."

People in the community and beyond have really backed these community champions by donating over £330 for this worthwhile cause.

Anne Barnard from Bridgwater Food Bank said: "We were delighted to visit Stoke St Gregory School at Harvest but never thought that the children would be so motivated to do more. `

"We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry, so the money raised will help us to provide emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis.”

Deborah Barrett, headteacher of Stoke St. Gregory Primary School was delighted with the children's response to the assembly organised by St. Gregory's Church.

She said: “The reaction of these children doesn’t surprise me, it just shows what a caring group of children we have here at Stoke.”