THE heat will be on for Middlewich firefighters when they tackle the Morrisons Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 10, sporting their full kit.

Firefighters from Middlewich Community Fire Station will be taking part in the 10k route while wearing helmets, tunics and over trousers.

For good measure the nine-strong team will each carry a 10kg breathing apparatus set on their backs, as well as carrying collection buckets.

The group, made up of Ashley Powell, Kristian Clowes, Paul Leigh, Mark Wakefield, Simon Atkinson, Dominic Page, Robert Carney and Cadet Leaders Becky Naylor and Rozz Boshell, is hoping to raise £2,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity.

The team, led by Ashley, 24, who is an on-call firefighter, has become a familiar sight at the Manchester Run now in their fifth consecutive year helping raise the profile of one of the emergency services.

Ashley said: "It's a great feeling to have my colleagues taking part with me again this year. The atmosphere and support on the day from other runners and the crowd is amazing but as you can imagine running along carrying all the equipment is a mental as much as a physical challenge.

"Last year we raised £1,500 but want to do even better this year for The Fire Fighters Charity. Any one of us may come to depend on their services at some point, so we all want to do our bit to ensure this charity’s work continues into the future."

The Fire Fighters Charity helps and rehabilitates injured firefighters and former members of the Fire and Rescue Service.

To sponsor them via the group's fundraising page text UKFF 99 and the amount to 70070. Or donate by visiting justgiving.com/Rapid-Response2015