A VICAR is planning to climb the equivalent height of Britain's three tallest mountains without ever leaving his house.

The Rev Antony Wilson, who serves the parishes of Dedham and Ardleigh, has decided to recreate the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for international charity Christian Aid.

Usually, the long-running fundraising mission would see people get several steps closer to heaven by scaling Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike within 24 hours.

But it is not possible to complete safely during the coronavirus outbreak.

So quick-thinking Rev Wilson has decided to tackle the same 3,407 metre distance on the stairs at his home in Dedham.

He is hoping neighbours close to his home in Dedham will help him during Christian Aid Week, which began on Sunday, as he looks to scale his steps a total of 1,362 times.

Rev Wilson, 51, a former chaplain in the British Army, said he hoped his fundraiser would help raise cash villagers usually donate.

He said: “Every year, the people of Dedham and Ardleigh come together with bake sales, sponsored runs and other fun events to raise money for Christian Aid Week, but this year, we can’t get together.

“I thought this was a creative and fun way to raise some funds, while also keeping in line with the Government’s guidelines on exercise.

“The work of Christian Aid is just so important, especially now, when people in poorer countries are a lot less equipped to cope with coronavirus than we are in the UK.

“I’ve invited my friends and neighbours to join me in my quest, as it is a bit much to try and do it alone.

"Will my legs cope? I’ll give it a go."

Melaine Hargreaves of Christian Aid in Colchester said: “In times of crisis the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalised are at the greatest risk. We are seeing fantastic examples of coronavirus bringing people together, of neighbours across Essex helping those who are vulnerable.

“Coronavirus impacts everyone, but love unites us all and Antony’s Three Peak Challenge gives us a chance to help our global neighbours.

“Christian Aid Week cannot be a community celebration in the usual sense, where people come together for sales and Big Brekkies and special services and such like. But Antony shows us how community can still thrive in different ways.

“Christian Aid is responding to the crisis in 13 countries around the world for example in Myanmar where our local partners have distributed soap to more than 30,000 people and distributed 2,000 surgical masks

“Please support Antony if you can so we can help more vulnerable people protect themselves.”

To donate visit caweek.org