The highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland held no terrors for Roy Stephen, who has just conquered them all, in just one day.

Roy, 51, who lives in Walcot, took on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise nearly £2,000 for charity, after climbing Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis, walking a total distance of 23 miles, climbing 10,052ft in only 25 hours.

The total driving distance between the mountains alone was 462 miles.

The epic challenge was taken on in aid of helping the British Malayali Charity Foundation, and 26 volunteers across the UK joined Roy in the climb to the top.

Together they have raised £19,699.68 in total, with the funds being used for development and educational work in southern India.

Roy said: “It was a fantastic way to really challenge myself by putting the charity at the forefront to motivate me at difficult points.

“I always give my all to raising money to help others and this is something I love doing.

“It was one of the most physically testing challenges I could have done but it shows what you can achieve no matter what your age is.”

Roy started his journey at 4pm on Friday July 20 and completed it the following day at 5pm.

The foundation governor for Holy Family Catholic Primary School and trustee for British Malayali came to Swindon 11 years ago from Kerala in Southern India.

Last year he was awarded the British Empire Medal due to being recognised for his services to the Malayali Association, the UK Knanaya Catholic Association (UKKCA) and to the community in Swindon.

Roy and his family were invited to one of The Queen’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace in celebration of this achievement.

He will be taking a break from activities for now but is always looking for his next opportunity to help his charity.