CLIMBING the Matterhorn was more of a downhill struggle than an uphill one for father and son team Bernard and Jack Hardman.

Reaching the 14,679 ft summit was the easy part for Bernard, a biology teacher at Bury Grammar School and 16-year-old Jack, a former BGS pupil. Getting down proved much more difficult when one of the climbing spikes on Jack's boots broke.

Bernard said: "When that happens you can't get any purchase with your foot, it's like going downstairs with roller skates on. We had to abseil down part of the way with our ropes."

The pair, who live in Whalley, reached the base hut at the bottom of the mountain as night fell and a storm set in.

"It was Jack's first trip climbing the Alps. To do the Matterhorn first time around is really something to be proud of," said Bernard.

Yet, despite the difficulties, accomplished climber Bernard and his son relished the whole experience.

"It was all terrific. The scenery is fantastic when you get up there and get the full panoramic view," he said.