VOLUNTEERS with mountain rescue experience are needed to help people with disabilities scale the heights.

Capability Scotland and Scope, two of the UK's leading disability charities, need people to help out at a special challenge on Ben Nevis.

The event, on May 31, will involve teams of disabled and non-disabled people working together to conquer Britain's highest peak.

Each team of six people will be led by a wheelchair user, who will be in charge of navigating their team to the summit in the quickest time.

Organisers are looking for enthusiastic and energetic individuals, with skills such as first aid or mountain leadership qualifications, to help out. Duties will range from accompanying teams as they climb Ben Nevis to being positioned at different stages on the mountain to monitor teams' progress.

Clare Furnival, events fundraiser at Scope, said: "This is a great opportunity for people to help out at a once-in-a-lifetime event.

"If you've got some spare time on that day and would like to give us a hand, then we'd love to hear from you."

All funds raised will go towards Capability Scotland's work in providing services for the disabled community, and Scope's work with cerebral palsy sufferers.

Anyone who is interested in helping should contact Clare Furnival on 020 7619 7181, or Ann Ward on 0131 347 1049.