RESTAURANT boss Paul Heathcote is bidding to conquer one of the Alps' deadliest peaks for charity.

Mr Heathcote will tackle the 15,000ft Matterhorn on the Italy and Switzerland border with his 75-year-old father Ken.

The pair resolved to complete the challenging five-day trek in mid-August over Christmas dinner.

Paul is raising money for Childline, while Ken is donating funds to Help for Heroes and Band of Mothers, which both support troops.

Ken has no previous climbing experience and is in intensive training on indoor climbing walls.

Paul, who owns the Longridge Restaurant and branches of Olive Press in Clitheroe and Longridge, as well as a number of other restaurants across the north west, said: “I’m full of admiration for him.

"You'd think after his trek to from John O’Groats to Land’s End and the other things he has done he would put up his feet.

“But having my father there will be the memory I will have more than anything else.”

Ken, who lives in Bolton said: “My family are worried, and the closer the climb gets, I’m getting nervous, but I’m excited.

“Never having climbed before and over 50 years since forced marching in the Army, the Matterhorn presents quite a challenge.

“But I’m doing it for the troops.”

Ken made the decision to join his son in the feat at Christmas after watching a television programme paying tribute to the country’s heroes.

He said: “What touched a nerve was how the mothers of our boys in Afghanistan had bonded together to raise money to support our troops.

“It was at this point I made the decision to support these mothers — mothers who have risen above their own terrible loss.

“Paul had committed to climb the Matterhorn and while talking during our Christmas lunch, I asked if there was a place on the trip for me.”