A team of stand-ups is to climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within a weekend to raise money to fight Aids in Africa.

Fourteen comics including Phil Nichol, Glenn Wool, Dave Fulton, Janice Phayre and Seymour Mace will embark on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge next month after weeks of training.

They must climb the 978m Scafell Pike, 1,344m Ben Nevis and 1,085m Mount Snowdon back-to-back, driving from one immediately to the next.

The event takes place over the weekend June 29 to July 1 – and the comics will be performing a gig at the Oban Comedy Club on June 29, just before they embark on the challenge.

The team have already raised £6,000 for the charity Act4Africa through a benefit gig at the Comedy Store, and a number of other fundraisers are planned.

Martin Bigpig Mor put together the team of comics. The full list of those taking part is: Craig Campbell, Dave Fulton, Sully O’Sullivan, Tamika Campbell, Rex Boyd, Seymour Mace, Sy Thomas, John Bishop, Steve Harris, Martin Bigpig Mor, Phil Nichol, Janice Phayre, Glenn Wool, Dave Turquoise, Rob Hallam, Vince Atta, and Ed Petrie

Rex Boyd said: ‘As Act4Africa knows all too well, life is short. The world is out there presenting opportunities, but “maybe one day...” just turns into “probably never” unless you actually telling yourself and others that, “Yes, I will do that'.

‘The challenge of climbing the three highest peaks alongside the challenge of potentially saving lives of in Africa presented me with one answer only, “Yes, I will do that”.’

On her sponsorship website, Janice Phayre added: ‘I didn't really think I could do it but then I saw who the other comedians were and am relieved to know that if the going gets tough one of those fat lazy drunken fools is bound to drop first.’

Act4Africa communication director Lesley-Ann Newman, said: ‘We are thrilled that the comedy boys have committed to raise money to combat Aids in Africa. Last year there were over 3.1million new HIV infections.’

Other fundraising gigs will be at the Manchester Comedy Store on June 4, September 10 and October 15; and at Jesters in Bristol on June 6.

For more information visit the team’s website.