A GROUP of 25 charity trekkers with seven from Chelmsford raised £50,000 by climbing summits in Nepal and the Himalayas.

The ten day trek around the Annapurna region saw the team fundraise for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

Among the walkers were Chelmsford residents Christopher Allerton-Austin, Sophie Dunton, Chris Flack, Lesley Hull, Marie Murray, Julie Peters and Keith Simpson.

Snowy peaks and thousands of stone steps were scaled by the fundraisers.

Mr Simpson said: “It was great to be with such a fantastic group of people.

“It was hard going at times but very rewarding.

“High in the Himalayas with Golden Eagles can’t be bad and raising money for a very good cause makes you feel very proud.”