Gareth Stewart, distribution manager at Walon UK’s Toyota import centre in Bristol, has climbed the highest mountain in Antarctica, raising £20,000 for the automotive charity, BEN.

Stewart, who is an experienced climber, was joined by two others on the team plus their guide, David Hamilton, who is one of the UK’s leading mountaineers.

To reach the summit of Mount Vinson the team had to trek from base camp for seven days carrying their tents and equipment which weighed around 15 kilos. Despite being summer in Antarctica, the team encountered severe weather conditions including temperatures as low as -40ºc and winds of up to 90mph.

Stewart said: “On behalf of Walon I’d like to thank all our customers and suppliers who sponsored this incredible expedition which has enabled us to raise much needed funds for BEN, which celebrated its centenary year during 2005.”