A LAWYER from Swindon is scaling the highest mountain in the UK in December to raise money for charity.

Francis George, solicitor-advocate and senior partner at his firm, on High Street, which specialises in complex family law cases, will battle snow and ice 1,345m above sea-level tackling Scotland's Ben Nevis to raise money for the North Wiltshire branch of Resolution.

The charity supports family lawyers across the country and campaigns for improvements in the family justice system.

He will be joined on the climb by business partner Asif Robbani and a trainee lawyer at the firm Ross Peters.

The expedition is set for December 9, and – given the time of year – the three will be undertaking a winter climbing skills course first to prepare them for the harsh conditions.

Francis, who is chairman of the North Wiltshire branch of Resolution, said: “There’s likely to be snow, ice and tears!

"I know how challenging these climbs can be – I scaled Mont Blanc back in July and the conditions were bad then, even at the height of summer.

“But it was genuinely the experience of a lifetime.

"The team and I are now embracing this thrilling new challenge, getting into some training and looking forward to raising some much-needed funds for Resolution.

“As the chair of the local region, I feel it’s important that we continue to raise money and spread the word about what Resolution does in the hope that this will encourage other family lawyers and clients to adopt the same mentality. I hope so much that people will support us and this very worthy cause.”

Those wanting to donate to the cause can visit the team’s Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/francis-george.

Solicitor advocates are lawyers qualified to represent clients in higher-level courts. Francis George was shortlisted in the 2018 Family Solicitor of the Year Awards in 2018.