FIREFIGHTER Chris Lazenby is taking on a challenge which will see him climbing 80 flights of stairs in full kit, in the heat of a New York summer, to raise money for charity.

Chris, from Helmsley is a retained firefighter - a role which led him to visit New York to meet fellow firefighters affected by the fallout of 9/11, which has inspired his fundraising.

And on July 1 he will be one of more than 400 first responders taking part in the fourth Annual New York City Memorial Stair Climb - ascending the 80 floors of 3 World Trade Center.

It raises funds for the The Ray Pfeifer Foundation, which assists injured and sick firefighters and police officers impacted by the events of 9/11, with medical needs not covered by insurance.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so via https://climb.memorialstairclimb.com/fundraiser/1343191