FIREFIGHTERS from Cleveland are gearing up to defend a national cycle race title.

The National Fire Service 25-mile Time Trial Championships will take place on the A19, on Saturday, June 15.

As many as 120 cyclists from fire brigades around the country are expected to take part in the individual and team events on the course, which takes in Crathorne and Knayton villages.

Last year, Cleveland won the team competition and fourth and fifth places in the individual race at Cambridge.

The headquarters for this year's event are based at Yarm fire station.

Organiser Keith Roberts, who will also be taking part, expects tough competition from firefighters keen to take the team title from Cleveland champions Phil Huntsman, Tony McGouran and Paul Fountain