Firefighters climb heights for charity fundraiser

The trainee recruits will climb the ladder between them about 357 times

A group of firefighters have climbed a ladder more than 300 times to reach the equivalent height of Mont Blanc to raise money for charity.

The trainee recruits from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service undertook the challenge at the Castle Quarter shopping centre in Norwich city centre on Thursday.

The group climbed the ladder between them about 357 times in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Roy Tait, trainers and watch manager at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "What we are encouraging the recruits to do is [to] get out in the community... and hopefully raise some vital funds."

The ladder, which is 13.5m (44ft) tall, stretched across three storeys of the Castle Quarter shopping centre.

Mr Tait said ladder climbing was an "integral" part of the training for recruits, as it is used in rescue attempts for people and animals.

He said: "Today we are doing a little charity event in aid of The Fire Fighters charity.

"[The charity] encourages firefighters who have had some kind of health problems, mental health problems or injuries and what they do is they provide some stability and training."

Roy Tait said ladder climbing is an "integral" part of training for the recruits

So far the group has raised more than £910.

Annabelle Pattrick, a trainee recruit, said although the challenge was "daunting" she did not have "jelly legs" about taking part.

"[The fire service] has that family feel to it, that good connection with each other and that's what I've always wanted and valued."

The trainees hoped the event would not only raise money for the charity, but attract more people to join Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

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