SIX on-call firefighters and a fire cadet leader from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are taking part in the Great Manchester Run, wearing full fire kit, to help raise funds for charity.

The runners, who are all based at Middlewich Fire Station, aim to raise £2,000 for the Firefighters Charity when they pound the streets for the 10k run on Sunday, May 18.

They will be lead by 23-year-old on-call Firefighter Ashley Powell, who has taken part in three previous Great Manchester Runs with his colleagues. The group will work as a team to represent the charity, which helps and rehabilitate firefighters injured on or off duty, and also ex members of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Ashley said: "It is 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 challenge as much as it is physical.

"Last year we raised £1,500 but we want to do even better this year for The Fire fighters Charity.

“Any one of us may come to depend on its services at some point, so we all want to do our bit to ensure that this charity's work continues into the future."

The group will be wearing full fire kit which includes helmet, tunic and over trousers during the run, but four of the group will also be carrying a breathing apparatus set on their backs which weighs 10KG.

If anyone would like to sponsor them then they can do so by texting FLAM99 and the amount to 70070. This will send the money direct to the groups fundraising page.

If anyone would like to donate to this cause then please visit justgiving.com/Rapid-Response2.