THE ‘Men of Harlech’ are more than holding their own as they take on a formidable endurance challenge in honour of two brain tumour sufferers.

Last weekend one of the world’s toughest endurance races - now in its 41st year - saw five amateur Meirionnydd mariners set sail in Barmouth for the a three peaks challenge with a difference.

Matt White, Ben Bailey, Ben Cartwright, Gwion Llwyd and Ed Bailey - all from the Harlech area - are taking on some of the UK’s most hardened endurance competitors in the infamous Three Peaks Yacht Race.

Their team is aptly named Gwyr Harlech/Men of Harlech is currently battling for a podium finish as the demanding race unfolds.

The Barmouth to Fort William race is not for the fainthearted.

Its punishing route involves sailing up the UK’s wild west coast and running up its highest summits - Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.

The team are racing to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity in memory of their friend Tom Walker and to support friend Steffan Owen as he battles his tumour and leukaemia.