FIREFIGHTERS from Darlington ran up three mountains in a day to raise money for charity.

The team from Darlington Fire Station's Green Watch competed in the Three Peaks Challenge.

Five runners, supported by two drivers, ran up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, in under 24 hours.

They easily managed that, completing the challenge in an impressive 17 hours and 14 minutes, which included more than 11 hours of driving between the peaks.

That performance made them the second fastest team on the day, and fourth overall in the annual competition, which included having the fastest time of two-and-a-half hours on the Ben Nevis leg.

Team member Malcolm Woodward said: "Weather conditions on Ben Nevis were perfect, but Scafell and Snowdon were horrendous."

He said the team was satisfied with its performance and was looking forward to next year's event.

He said: "We are training again for next year and we are planning on doing a few more endurance events."

Although the sponsorship money is still coming in, the team reckons to have made about £500 as a result of their efforts.

The money will be divided between the fire service's benevolent fund and the Butterwick Hospice.