Participants in the ‘British Gas Treks Britain 2015’ event had the choice between three challenges - a 10km trek, a 40km cycle or, the most gruelling, an 80km cycle, all of which took place on the scenic Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness.

The Bo’ness event is one of six events taking place across the UK this month as part of the company’s five year partnership with Shelter Scotland which began in 2012. The partnership aims to raise standards in privately rented homes as well as raise £1 million for Shelter and Shelter Scotland by 2017.

This year’s treks are aiming to raise a total of £250,000 with all the money raised going to the charity to help families struggling with bad housing and homelessness.

The latest Scottish Government figures show that there are more than 150,000 households on council waiting lists for a home of their own in Scotland, with over 4,300 homeless children living in temporary accommodation.

Shelter Scotland makes sure no-one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own, helping over half a million people a year by providing free online, phone and face to face advice services across the country.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We’re so grateful to all of the Scottish Gas employees who have really gone the extra mile in support of Shelter Scotland, and hopefully had a great day out too. The money raised will help us continue to be there so that no-one has to face bad housing and homelessness on their own.”

Andy Houghton, HR director at British Gas, who officially opened the trek, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to colleagues and their friends and family members who gave up their time to take part in this worthwhile challenge. I was pleased to take part and see so many supporting our Shelter partnership.

“I’m very proud that the British Gas Treks Britain events will help to make a real difference for many people affected by poor housing or homelessness.”

@shelterscotland