FIREFIGHTERS showed they were in peak condition when they climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest at the weekend.

Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Team colleagues Phil Preston and Craig Farrage used two step machines for the challenge in Durham Market Place on Saturday.

Cheered on by other firefighters and a crowd of well-wishers, the pair took 8,848 steps to cover a distance of 29,029ft - the height of Everest.

The challenge was held to raise money for the NSPCC's Full Stop Campaign and the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

They have already raised more than £8,500 and are planning several more events, including taking part in the Great North Run and a 1,000 mile cycle ride from Calais to Monte Carlo.

An NSPCC spokeswoman said Saturday's event was a huge success. "It went really, really well," she said. "I've never seen two fitter men in my life, and the people of Durham were all joining in and giving cash. They are definitely going to far exceed their target of £10,000."