Focus Ireland, the charity for the homeless, is looking for businesses to participate in its 54321 Swiss Mountain Challenge which is taking place between October 1st and 5th.

Focus Ireland hopes to raise several thousand pounds from the event which involves a hike in the picturesque Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.

It welcomes entries from companies which want to involve their staff in team-building exercises; staff from the Irish Permanent have already signed up to take part.

All participants will be asked to set a fund-raising target of £2,000 between now and the start of the trip. Those interested in taking up the challenge are asked to contact Ms Ann Swift, fund-raising manager of Focus Ireland at (01) 6712555.