Extec and Fintec, companies more normally associated with crushing rocks than climbing them, conquered the 2008 Three Peaks Challenge with one of the four-person teams finishing in first place. In the process, they raised well over £27,000 for charity, the highest total for a single company.

Extec and Fintec also helped bring the contribution from construction-related companies to a staggering £430,000.

The annual Three Peaks Challenge requires each team to climb the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within a 24-hour period. The teams begin by climbing the 1,344 metre high Ben Nevis in Scotland followed by the 978 metre high Scafell Peak in England. The winning teams cross the line at the peak of the 1,085 metre high Mount Snowdon in Wales. In addition to the climbing, the teams have to travel over 800 km in the 24-hour period, a feat that requires superb planning and the support of a dependable support crew.

Extec and Fintec's organiser Holly Chaplin says that the event is a real team effort: "We had two teams of four doing the actual climbing but there were well over a dozen Extec and Fintec people involved overal.

"We couldn't have completed this gruelling challenge without the backup of our support crews."

Paul Colton and Conor McAleer both based at Ballygawley,were there to support both teams and they also climbed one of the three peaks. Paul said "we climbed Snowden, this was not an easy feat and really only highlighted to Conor and I the achievement of our two teams to complete three peaks.

Conor McAleer added, "The sense of achievement our teams and the supporting roles played was further heightened during the evening presentations by the Coins charity when we really got to see where the money was going and what Fintec/Extec, and the other could help them achieve.

John Nethery, a local man and director in the company, completed the three peaks challenge. He said it was "a great experience where willpower was just as important as strength and stamina.

"The views from the top of all three mountains were awesome and the whole event is something that everyone should attempt at least once in a lifetime. To have the opportunity to take part and benefit such worthy causes was a true honour."