REVEREND Craig Bentley has raised £6,500 through the St Mark’s Church’s Mount Everest challenge.

Rev Bentley has raised thousands of pounds through an online JustGiving page by ascending the Church's tower 500 times.

A curate at St Mark’s in Natland, and a former RAF police dog handler, Rev Bentley took on the challenge to support the work of the church and the International Nepal Fellowship.

CRAZY: Reverend Craig Bentley completes the Natland Mount Everest challenge

CRAZY: Reverend Craig Bentley completes the Natland Mount Everest challenge

His two previous attempts were temporarily blocked by the lockdown, but the challenge finally went ahead on April 25.

During the climb he has been interviewed live on Radio Cumbria breakfast and had a five-minute piece on Border evening local news show.

His 500th climb was featured live on Radio Cumbria.

The total sum of £6,500.00 will be split between supporting the International Nepal Fellowship and St Mark's church.

Videos taken during the event be found on @churchofstmark.