TWO Stourbridge friends are gearing up for a charity challenge of a lifetime in memory of their best pal who died in a road crash.

Philip McKenzie, aged 26, of Hill Street, and 28-year-old Andy Price are getting set to scale Scotland's highest peak Ben Nevis next spring as a tribute to Daniel Bennett from Kidderminster, who was killed when his car crashed in Racecourse Lane on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The pair, who will be making the 1,343-metre climb alone, hope the gruelling stunt will help raise between £5,000 to £10,000 for Mary Stevens Hospice along the way.

Phil said: "I've just spent eight years in the army including operational tours of Northern Ireland and Iraq and I've not had a challenge for a while so I fancied doing this - and I'd like to think Dan would be thinking nice one'."

The pair are set to begin their training next month and will be going on climbing courses in the New Year before embarking on the two-day round trip to Ben Nevis's icy summit.

Phil added: "It can be done in a day, but it depends on the conditions - we want to do it safely."

Anyone wishing to sponsor the daredevil duo can call Phil on 07787 761 6809.