EMPLOYEES from the Redditch office of Pickerings Lifts, the UK’s largest independent lift manufacturer, have celebrated the company's 160th anniversary by getting active for charity.

A team of 11 staff battled through wind and rain to take part in a sponsored run, cycle and walk, that saw them complete a collective total of 160 miles, raising more than £200 for charity.

Despite having already achieved their cumulative target of 160 miles, staff members weren't satisfied, and continued in their charitable efforts, with one participant even completing an additional 12 mile Tough Mudder course to raise even more money.

The celebration is just one leg of the firm's year-long anniversary celebrations that will see 360 staff at each of Pickerings’ 12 offices run, walk and cycle more than 160 miles, raising money for local charities and contributing towards a company-wide target of 1,600 miles of exercise.

Ian Bowers, managing director at Pickerings Lifts, said: “This is a landmark year for Pickerings Lifts, and it's a great opportunity for us to come together and celebrate our success. We decided to use our year of celebration to help the community and have chosen to do this by setting each office a challenge to put their best foot forward and walk, run, and cycle 160 miles for charity. The total sum raised by over 1,600 miles of exercise come the end of the year will be divided between a series of local regional charities and our national partner charity, Cancer Research UK."

Andrew Buck, Redditch office spokesman, said: "The fundraising efforts of our team have proven to be a fantastic success and really exceeded our expectations, with many going above and beyond what we expected. It's great to see so many of our colleagues working hard to raise valuable funds for a very worthy local charity."