FOR the average worker lunchtime probably means a trip to the nearest sandwich shop, but for one energetic man, a quick run up one of England's highest peaks is on the menu.

Since taking up a job at United Utilities in Thirlmere, woodland officer Paul Clavey, 37, of Castle Garth, Kendal, has taken to regularly scaling Helvellyn's 3,118 feet.

"It takes about an hour from the office and is so convenient that I didn't think anything of it until I mentioned it to a colleague," explained Mr Clavey, who is in training for Dorset's Iron Man triathlon in August.

"It is hard work but I try to do some sort of training every day, be it swimming, cycling or running," he added. "Going up Helvellyn really keeps you fit even though it is probably only two or three miles to the summit."

The father-of-two, a member of Westmorland Triathletes, regularly cycles the 54-mile round-trip to work and has represented Great Britain in triathlons across the world.

"I put in between eight and ten hours training a week and hopefully I will finish the competition in a reasonable time," added the international athlete. "It all depends on what my family lets me get away with!"