AN intrepid Largs Thistle star has come in from the cold to raise more than £800 for charity by scaling Ben Nevis.

Craig Loudon, who lives in Skelmorlie and plays for Thistle’s development side, took on the challenge in aid of the Young Lives vs Cancer cause.

The 19-year-old conquered Britain's highest peak through his work at Morrisons in the town - and says it presented the perfect opportunity to tick something off his 'bucket list'.

He explained: “Climbing Ben Nevis has always been on my 'to do list', so when the opportunity came up I couldn't wait to get involved.

“In Morrisons we work side by side with Young Lives vs Cancer and we do whatever we can to help the charity.

“A few stores took on different challenges as a group, but in Largs we all did something individually and I climbed the mountain with a few of my friends.

“I knew how much of a challenge it would be, so I wanted to do it now while I’m still young and fit!”

Craig told how he battled through heavy rain and snow as he approached the 4,4000 foot summit.

He said: “I was a wee bit nervous before I left but once I got to the start I just really wanted to do it and get to the top.

“It took roughly six hours to get up to the summit and back down again.

“The weather stayed relatively good most of the time which helped, but it was tough going at times.

“The further up we went the colder it got and there was even snow on the ground. That was challenging but I was determined to make it to the top.”

Craig says he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received after smashing an original fundraising target of £200.

He said: “I have been blown away by the number of people who have got behind me.

“I can’t thank everyone enough. I never expected to raise as much money as I have and it is going to a very worthy charity.

“I would love to do something bigger and even tougher in the future but for now I am just resting a little bit.”

You can still donate to Craig’s challenge at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-loudon1