MEMBERS of Ongar Rugby Club celebrated a last-minute victory when they presented £1,000 to UNICEF.

The money was raised when eight club members took on the three peaks of Britain in a 24-hour race against the clock, and completed the challenge with just six minutes to spare. The Love Lane club, who play in the Essex RFU League, take on an annual charity effort and last year they climbed the highest peaks of England, Scotland and Wales, Scafell, Ben Nevis and Snowdon.

Mark Jones, Kerry Barnes, John Berry, Rob Woodhull, Ashley Steam, Ian Kerwin, Peter Hodgeson and Richard Jones had to travel between and climb the peaks within the 24-hour time limit.

The team's vehicle was supplied courtesy of Willhire of Chelmsford and drinking water was donated by Tesco Express in Brentwood.

Thoughts are already turning towards this year's challenge when members are taking on a two-day, 140-mile coast-to-coast cycle from Whitehaven, Cumbria, to Newcastle, to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.