More than 50 of the borough’s police will be heading away from their beats and off the beaten track as they take on a gruelling physical challenge for charity.

Officers across Newham will join forces when they set off on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge tomorrow evening to tackle the highest summits in England, Scotland and Wales.

“There’s a vast range of experience – half my team have never gone up a mountain before!” said Sgt Victoria Kneale, one of the five team leaders.

“It combines team-building, fitness and charity,” she added, emphasising the force’s desire to make a positive impact on the community.

The first of an annual fundraising challenge for local charities was put forward by Borough Commander Tony Nash, with officers from Plaistow, Stratford and Forest Gate stations then deciding on the charities.

Richard House Children’s Hospice, Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA) and boxing charity, Fight For Peace, are all set to benefit from the £12,000 target fundraiser.

“It was a very nice surprise, and lovely they’ve been thinking of us,” said Emma Evans, community and events fundraiser at Richard House.

“We’ve had a lot of support from Metropolitan Police in the past, but for them to go to this amount effort and training is brilliant.”

The challenge will see officers of every rank unite for around 10 hours climbing and 14 driving.

Starting from Newham, the officers will head to Snowdon in Wales first, before taking on Scafell Pike and finally Ben Nevis in Scotland.

“It will be physically draining,” said Insp Doug Rushworth, who is also leading a team of eleven.

“There’ll be a lot of team-building, and it will push people out of their comfort zones.”

Costs for the excursion were fronted by the officers, with staff thanking ExCel and High5 nutrition company for their help.

Eastlea Community School, Forest Gate Community School and Chobham Academy supplied minibuses for the journey between the peaks.

To make a donation to Richard House, go to justgiving.com/Tony-Nash1. For NASSA, visit justgiving.com/Tony-Nash2, and for Fight for Peace, visit justgiving.com/Tony-Nash3