Four men who have undergone heart surgery are to tackle the Three Peaks to raise cash for heart research.

Michael Steptoe, 50, Richard Bateson, 52, Bob Fenn, 55, and Edward Pennick, 46, will attempt the 26-mile walk on Sunday.

They have been fighting back to fitness by attending classes run by fitness expert, John Fearnley, at Keighley Leisure Centre.

Last year, Mr Fearnley was presented with a £4,500 portable defibrillator by the British Heart Foundation, a device used to kick-start the heart when it stops.

Mr Bateson, a father of three and maintenance manager at Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, has been attending classes for 12 months.

"I enjoy them very much and look forward to going. I think they are doing me a great deal of good - there's no doubt about that. John brings along the defibrilator to all the classes - it is a quiet reminder in the corner," he said.

The four will tackle the event on Sunday in a bid to raise cash for The British Heart Foundation.

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