Firefighters take on 14-hour climbing challenge

The challenge will be undertaken using a 12m (39ft) training tower at the fire service's workshop base in Colchester

Firefighters have been climbing the combined height of three UK peaks to raise money for charity.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said two of its teams would climb 3,408m (11,181ft) at its fleet workshop in Colchester.

The challenge, expected to take them between 12 and 14 hours on Tuesday, would be undertaken by using a 12m (39ft) training tower.

Simon Terry, an engineer at the workshop, said the motor neurone disease (MND) charity that money was being raised for was "close to my heart".

Firefighters from the service's urban search and rescue (USAR) team and technical rescue team started the challenge at 07:00 BST.

The teams have witnessed the impact of motor neurone disease first-hand, crew manager Tom Herbert says

Mr Terry said his family was recently supported by the Motor Neurone Disease Association after his father was diagnosed with the condition.

"They were a big support to my whole family and offered us help when we needed it," he said.

Tom Herbert, the USAR crew manager, said he hoped the gruelling effort would help "capture the hearts" of the public and raise awareness about the disease.

“The team have witnessed first-hand the impact of MND on a close colleague's dad and his family," he said.

“We aim to raise as much money to give back locally."