A LARGS mum is hitting the heights as she bids to conquer Ben Nevis - 20 years after scaling the peak for the first time.

Jo Findlayson is undertaking the charity mission to raise funds for Children on the Edge, for whom she is also an ambassador.

The mum says she is working to get into 'peak condition' for the challenge later this year.

She added: "I did it nearly 20 years ago for 'Save our Staggies' as I am a Ross County supporter.

"I didn't carry any injuries back them - but now I carry a few!

"I am working on my fitness after becoming a mother again, so it will be tough.

"At least I have done it before, so I know what is ahead of me."

"Back when I first did it though I was very active in terms of walking, swimming and cycling. I have until 10 August now to get into the same shape.

"I am going up the back hills of Largs every morning walking for two hours from 6am and at the weekends I am going out for four hours.

"Some days I got up the Cauld Rocks and other days I go up the Gretas. I love the scenery and find inspiration up there."

Children on the Edge makes a difference for thousands of marginalised children, who are living on the edge of their societies around the world. Many are driven from their homes by conflict, neglected or persecuted by their own governments.

Jo, who lives in Royal Avenue, said: "I was really touched by some of the charity's stories. These children have nothing.

"I had to apply to become an ambassador and be willing to tell everybody about what the charity is and try and get more people involved.

"It was set up by Anita Roddick, who founded The Body Shop.

"The money goes to different projects such as schooling or children.

"There are stories including children being snatched away in some of these third world countries and sold on to orphanages. It is absolutely heartbreaking.

"The charity helps pay for the DNA tests on the children and get them back to their family and then support them and help provide land and farming equipment so they can support themselves.

"That is where most of the money would be going.

"It also looks at the long-term future of the family and helping them become sustainable."

Jo's son Finlay will also be joining her on her climb. He is currently studying second year actuarial science, combining maths and physics.

The mother-of-three is a senior dental nurse at Largs Dental Suite in Aitken Street. Donations for her climb can be handed into The Best Fruit Company in the town.