A TEAM of seven from Middlewich Community Fire Station completed last week’s Great Manchester Run, in full kit and carrying a seven foot ladder.

Six firefighters and a cadet leader tackled the 10km race wearing helmets, tunics and over trousers, all while carrying 10kg each of breathing apparatus and a share of the ladder.

The team have become a familiar sight along the route, recording a time of one hour and 51 minutes on this, their sixth attempt.

Firefighter Ashley Powell said: “The support of the crowd was amazing and really motivated us.

“We started and finished the race as a team and, although we weren't the fastest, we were certainly the most hard-working runners of the event.

“As you can imagine, running along carrying all the equipment is as much a mental as a physical challenge.”

Ashley was joined by fellow firefighters Dom Page, Mark Wakefield, Paul Leigh, Rob Carney and Ant Naylor, as well as cadet leader Becky Naylor.

The team also carried collection buckets round with them, raising money for The Fire Fighter’s Charity as well as an outdoor education space for Middlewich Primary School.

To see the team’s progress or to donate, visit justgiving.com/999FIRE.