A PUB LANDLORD in Bridport will swap pulling pints for a pilgrimage when he climbs an Irish mountain, dressed as a monk, for charity.

Alan Campbell, landlord at the Lord Nelson Hotel in East Street, has banded together with Charlie Poole, Paul Stedman and Robert Mercer to climb Saint Patrick's Stack, nicknamed the Reek, on May 21 in aid of Depression Alliance.

Mr Campbell said: "We got the idea to support the charity from one of our regulars Ivan, who is arranging the trip."

"People don't realise that almost everybody suffers with depression in their lifetime, and some people don't realise they have it, so supporting them is important."

The 2,507 feet-tall mountain is known as an important pilgrimage site in the country, and is traditionally climbed on Reek Sunday - the last Sunday in July - every year.

Mr Campbell explained the mountain's significance as a site of pilgrimage is what gave them the inspiration for their outfits, which he hopes will add a bit of fun to the day.

On the day of the climb, the four fundraisers will also be supported along the way by friends who aren't able to scale the mountain.

He said of the event: "We are meeting at the pub at 6am for breakfast and then flying out of Bristol airport at 12pm to go to Ireland.

"We will be in the monk outfits at the pub, at the airport - the whole day. It's going to take us about seven hours to climb up and down the mountain.

"When we get to the top we are going to have a picture taken to show that we have reached the summit, and then we will take another photo with the Palmers flag because they have sponsored us in a big way."

This is just the latest in a number of charity events the pub has put on.

In the past they have raised money through a fun day for the Ronald McDonald House charity, and Alan said he has completed a 48-hour darts marathon and 14-day pool challenge for good causes.

As well as collecting cash through sponsorship forms in the pub, Palmers Brewery have also sponsored them for the cause.

"We have raised about £2,000 so far, but Waterstones are helping with fundraising and have contacted local businesses so that total could change," Mr Campbell said.

"Everyone in the pub has got behind us as well, and hopefully we will be doing something every year for Depression Alliance.

"We have been doing the challenges in Ireland for nine years, but this year will be the last one and we might all save up and do something in Spain next year," he added.

To donate to their cause, visit the Lord Nelson to sign the sponsorship form.