New firefighter recruits will be taking part in a Meet In Middle Walk from Ashby to Leicester to raise funds for the Fire Fighter's Charity and Mind - and they will do it in full fire kit.

On Saturday, July 25, at 9am, 13 Leicestershire Fire and Rescue recruits will start walking from Ashby Fire Station for around 20 miles.

They will be split into two crews, with one group walking from the most easterly station in the county, Oakham - and the second group walking from the most westerly station in Ashby.

They will then both 'Meet In The Middle' in Leicester at the Central Fire Station.

The event was created when Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, Rick Taylor, set a challenge for the newly recruited firefighters to hold an event to raise money for charity, at the beginning of their firefighter training.

Rick said: "I wanted to challenge our recruits in a way which would allow them to bond as a team – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where things are very different.

"The challenge will be demanding, both physically and mentally. I, along with the rest of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, wish them the best of luck in their challenge, and would like to thank everyone who has donated or supported the challenge in any way so far."

The crews will depart from Oakham/Ashby Fire and Rescue Stations at 9am, aiming to arrive at their end point, Central Fire and Rescue Station, between 4pm and 5pm.

Depending on availability, the crews will be escorted the final mile by fire engines under blue lights.

You can help both charities by making a donation to both charities at their Just Giving page.