ONE brave employee at a Stourbridge opticians is bracing himself to take on the three peaks challenge.

Chris Parkes, a lab technician at Specsavers will scale Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis on Friday July 25.

The 31-year-old aims to complete the trek in 24 hours in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.

But he won't be alone, his friends Scott and Nial Edwards, Laura Griffiths, Matt Weston and Simon Cleeton will also take on the challenge.

The friends have decided to tackle for personal reasons, explained Chris: "Scott, Nial and Laura have a grandfather who suffers with Alzheimer's. My grandmother is also suffering with it. We are all very close to our grandparents and thought we would all like to do our bit towards this charity.

"We understand it is a big challenge but training is well underway."

The team have already smashed their target of £1,000, with Chris' colleagues at the High Street opticians helping to raise £274 with a cake sale.

"With the money raised from the cake sale, we have now collectively raised £1,100 which is fantastic and such a morale boost ahead of the challenge," added Chris.

Store director, Terry Tam, added: ‘We were delighted with the positive response to the cake sale and overwhelmed with the kind generosity of customers. We wish Chris and his friends all the best for the three peaks challenge, and look forward to hearing all about it when he’s back."

Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/Scott-Edwards5.