THEY may be more used to climbing ladders, but firefighters from Warrington Fire Station have shown they are just as good mounting a hill.

The seven members of blue watch have completed a 147-mile coast-to-coast bike ride across north east England in aid of a colleague who died last year.

The group is hoping to raise around £3,000 for St Rocco's Hospice, which cared for fellow blue watch member Alan Brent.

John Turner, who took part, said: "It went very well and we managed to complete the route in two-and-a-half days.

"There were a few with aching legs and sore backsides after the first day but it was a brilliant feeling to finish it.

"As soon as you see the coast again you forget about any pain."

The group plans to have a break next year but some members are already planning their next event the following year - cycling through Wales.

If you would like to make a donation, log on to justgiving.com/bluewatch or send a cheque, made payable to St Rocco's Hospice, to Blue Watch Bike Ride, Warrington Fire Station, Winwick Road, Warrington, WA2 8HH.