THREE fell runners took part in an epic mountain challenge in atrocious conditions and raised £1,500 for flood victims.

They also earned themselves places in the elite Bob Graham Mid Winter Round Club.

While many top fell runners have completed the Bob Graham Round over the years, only 18 have done it in the most testing conditions of mid winter.

Teachers Paul Johnson and Mario Yeomans were running with oil platform worker Mick Allen.

They are all members of Cumberland Fell Runners.

Paul lives in Eaglesfield and teaches religious studies and sociology at Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton. It was his idea to take up the challenge.

"I had done the Bob Graham Round in the summer and was tempted by the idea of the winter one. Mario and Mick were keen to join me," he said.

Mario lives in Harrington and teaches computer science at St Joseph's School in Workington and Mick lives at Great Broughton.

They set off at 11pm on Friday, January 8, from Keswick's Moot Hall.

The round is a 66-mile, 27,000ft circuit of 42 of the highest peaks in the Lake District, which have to be completed within 24 hours.

Lots of Cumberland Fell Runners members were involved, either by pacing the trio on the five legs, or providing food, drinks and support along the way.

They completed the round in 23 hours and 37 minutes and raised £1,500 for the floods appeal.