CO-OP store managers from Keighley, South Craven, Ilkley and Bradford climbed the Three Yorkshire Peaks.

They were among 17 Co-operative managers from across company’s Bradford district who trekked in aid of the British Red Cross.

Nicola Bedford, the Cullingworth manager, said the walkers smashed their original £20,000 target by an extra £5,000.

The managers came from stores including Broomhill, Oakworth, Wilsden, Ilkley, Addingham, Saltaire, Bolton Junction and Eccleshill in Bradford, and both the mini-market and petrol station in Cross Hills.

Store managers were joined by their area manager Richard Walker for both the expedition and the five training sessions, which involved walks up individual peaks.

Team members completed the walk in between nine and 12 hours.

Nicola said: “Even after training didn’t how difficult this was going to be. Every hill we completed had mixed emotions, from pain through to satisfaction. Once we got to the final check point I felt so relieved.

“I felt so proud of every one of our team as it was by far the hardest thing I have ever done. The sense of achievement was overwhelming.

“It was a very emotional day – and more inspirational knowing how many lives we have touched by raising this great amount.

The final total was more than £25,000 in aid of the British Cross, much of it raised through sponsorship from Co-op customers.

Nicola added: “We are very grateful to all of the communities that we serve day by day within our 23 stores for their continued support during our fundraising days leading up to the Three Peaks.”