LOCHGELLY butcher James Sloan is hoping the customers of the Hugh Black shop in Bank Street will back him when he tackles Ben Nevis next weekend.

James is one of six Hugh Black butchers set to climb Scotland's highest mountain on Sunday August 5 to raise money to have defibrillators placed in Blacks' shops throughout the central belt.

Said that keen footballer: "It has been proved how valuable defibs are in helping save lives when a person is struck by a heart problem.

"It can happen anywhere, at any time, and if there is a defibrillator available then it could save a life.

"There is six of us tackling Ben Nevis and it is a formidable challenge as none of us are really the sort that climbs hills."

He admits that he has not even been on a hill before but playing amateur football every weekend and five-a-sides he is pretty fit, and is ready for Ben Nevis on Sunday.

Added James: "We reckon the round trip will take around seven hours and hopefully it will not be too hot.

"Some of the days have been blistering in recent weeks but a moderately warm day would do us fine."

To sponsor James for his venture, which will see a defibrillator situated in the Hugh Black shop in Bank Street, just call in and sign the sponsor sheet which is on one of the counters.

Concluded the butcher: "It would be brilliant if as many of our customers as possible could get involved for it is a very good cause."