The team behind an East Lancashire manufacturing company is to take on a mammoth challenge for a Lancashire children’s hospice.

Staff at Padiham-based What More UK will be taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge for Derian House.  

Last year staff from What More UK, the brains behind popular brand Wham, took on the tough Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Accrington Stanley Community Trust.

Braving awful weather, the team successfully completed the challenge in 10 hours 36 minutes, and raised a fantastic £11,645.

This year, Team Wham have pledged to take on the national challenge for Derian House and colleagues from various departments right across the organisation, from toolmaking, warehouse, picking, sales, will be taking part. 

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon - within 24 hours.

The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3,064 metres (10,052ft) - twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. 

Such a tough challenge involves preparation and training, and Team Wham have continued their training from last year with regular group sessions. 

The big event, on September 10, has the aim of beating last year's target and raising £15,000 for Derian House in Chorley.  

Garry Ireland, Operations Director at What More UK, said: "We really enjoyed last year's challenge, even though it was really tough on the day.

“We've all carried on training together, and set ourselves an even bigger target for this year.

“Derian House is a fantastic charity doing superb work and we hope to smash our goal for them!"

Company Director, Tony Grimshaw, said: "Last year I was so pleased to see the team beat their target, and it did wonders for company morale.

“It's great to see all the team working together for a great challenge, and I look forward to cheering them on once again.

"I'm sure they'll exceed last year's efforts, and I hope the weather is kinder to them!"

Ann-Marie Wilburn, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: "We help children and young people, whose lives are too short, to make happy memories in an environment of fun, respect and above all, outstanding care.

“We are always grateful for donations to help us carry on our work, and wish Team Wham all the best in their challenge!"

What More's storage boxes and housewares of all kinds are all made in East Lancashire and are sold in 76 countries around the world.

 To sponsor Team Wham you can visit their JustGiving page.