FIREFIGHTERS from the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are taking a break from tackling fires to tackle a full marathon in kit along the Jurassic Coast to raise money for Julia's House Hospice.

Despite having already conquered a 22 mile walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal in 2013 and Mount Snowdon last year in full fire kit, twelve members of the Corsham crew have decided to do it again in a different setting on September 10.

On their last two treks, the crew have raised more than £5,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Fire Fighters Charity and more than £4,000 for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and they hope to replicate their success once again for Julia's House who are currently building a new hospice in Devizes.

Crew Manager Keith Shackleford said: "Although these fire kit challenges are hard work, they are also great fun and we’re really proud of the money we’ve raised in the past. Since April, the Fire and Rescue Service has covered both Dorset and Wiltshire, the same area served by Julia’s House, and it’s a charity that we all want to support."

Many of the firefighters taking part are parents and grandparents themselves, and their compassion for the children Julia's House supports has helped motivate them for the challenge ahead.

Fifty-year-old Andy Webster said: "We have got into this routine of doing mad thing and this will be our biggest and toughest challenge yet. It is a good way of building camaraderie and we all egg each other on and being firefighters, fitness is a big part of what we do. But it is not just us - there will be some guys at the station who have to be on duty while we are away.

"It can get very, very hot in full kit but we all look after one another and we will make sure that we are all taking on lots of water and getting enough food. There are going to be lots of people doing the walk for Julia's House though, so hopefully we can help support them along the way too."

Julia's House has asked each crew member to raise at least £200, which will cover the cost of six and a half hours of care for a sick child and respite for an exhausted parent.

"I am always astounded by the generosity of people," Mr Webster added. "But I would really like to get over the £4,000 mark and if we could smash £5,000 that would be fantastic."

To find out more information and to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/Corshamfire.