A DATE has been set for the fifth Ben Nevis trek in honour of Dudley mountaineer, peace campaigner and charity fundraiser, Bert Bissell.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin, Bert’s lifelong friend Astley Blake, the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler and chairman of the Bert Bissell Memorial Society, Councillor Steve Waltho, will be among the team heading to Scotland for the climb on August 17.

Bert climbed Ben Nevis 107 times and constructed a peace cairn at the summit on VJ Day in 1945.

A group, led by Labour MP Mr Austin have made an annual trip to the mountain in his memory since 2014, raising thousands of pounds for borough charities in the process.

But it is hoped this year's climb will be bigger and better than ever before as it will mark the 20th anniversary of Bert's death.

It will also be 40 years since the borough's Gentleman Songsters Male Voice Choir became the first choir to sing on the mountain's summit, something that Mr Bissell, who was the choir's president, described as one of this "sweetest" moments.

Due to the popularity of the event, people interested in joining next year's expedition have been asked to register their interest.

The team will leave Dudley on Thursday, August 16 and return on Sunday, August 19.

The climb will take place on Friday, August 16 and a commemorative service will be held the following day.

Anyone interested in joining the team should email stevewaltho@hotmail.co.uk for further details.