FIREFIGHTERS from Middlewich will once again be taking on the Great Manchester Run this weekend, and 2016 comes with an added challenge.

A six-strong team from Middlewich Fire Station will run the 10km course in full uniform, carrying 12kg of breathing apparatus and sharing the load of a seven-metre long ladder.

This is their sixth consecutive year running, with proceeds going towards the Fire Fighters Charity as well as an outdoor recreational and educational area for Middlewich Primary School.

Firefighter Ashley Powell, who is organising the team and will be running on the day, said: “We are doing this run for two great causes but we didn’t just want to run, we wanted to really push ourselves.

"By wearing our fire kit, breathing apparatus kit and carrying a ladder we thought that people would really get behind us and give generously.”

The race, the biggest of its kind in Europe, starts in the city centre and heads towards Salford Quays before looping back into Manchester.

If you wish to support the team and donate to charity then you can donate via a dedicated website: www.justgiving.com/999FIRE or by texting MFIR85 £amount to 70070.