AN intrepid bunch of adventurers have achieved their goal of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, raising thousands of pounds for forces charity Help for Heroes.

The trek would be an achievement for anyone but many of this group have had to overcome more difficulties than most in their gruelling trek up the mountain, which stands at 5,896m and is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

One of the 'Band of 5' soldiers taking part, John Sandford Hart, from Ringwood, lost his lower leg following a boating accident, while Tony Burbidge was shot in the elbow while serving in Afganistan.

They and fellow soldiers Richard Glover, Jonathon Le Galloudec and Stuart Le Coulliard were joined on their epic journey by Stuart Trow, who lost his lower leg in Afghanistan and Natalie Fellows, walking in memory of her husband, Jamie, who was killed in Afghanistan in December.

Also taking part were Craig Lundberg, who is blind, and Darren Topham, the man who saved his life in Iraq, as well as Help for Heroes founders Bryn and Emma Parry, from Downton, with their daughters, Louisa and Sophie and soldier son, Tom.

Mr Parry said: "If I found the climb to be the hardest challenge I can remember, I can only imagine what our team of wounded soldiers must have felt.

"They were simply superb, they all summited, they were consistently cheerful, never complained and were examples of what can be achieved through sheer guts and determination. To Craig, Jon, Tony, John and Stu can I say that it was an honour to be in your company for the climb. You are truly inspirational and I hope you will inspire others who have been wounded to achieve similar heights.

The climb has so far raised over £30,000.

To date Help for Heroes has raised more than £30million to help wounded service men and women and their families.