Firefighters set off on gruelling 650-mile charity bike ride

Firefighters from Todmorden Station are undertaking a 650-mile charity bike ride

A team of firefighters from Todmorden have set off on a 650-mile bike ride to raise money for charity.

The team left Todmorden Train Station this morning (Tuesday) and are cycling to Todmorden’s twin town of Bramsche in Germany.

The team, which hopes to raise £3,000 for three charities - Save the Children, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and The Fire Fighters Charity, aims to complete the journey withing three days.

Watch commander for Todmorden Carl Fielden said: “It’s going to be a tough challenge and we really hope the weather holds out for us! I think there’s going to be a few saddle sore cyclists by the end of it!

“The Tour de France visiting Yorkshire gave us the idea and by the time July comes around there will be a real buzz of excitement in the air.”

The team comprises of ten local firefighters cycling in pairs, on a rota system, travelling through five countries - England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, non-stop.

Local businesses and schools have already raised money for the team, including over £200 from Castle Hill School, Todmorden, and £400 from Walsden St Peter’s Primary School, Walsden.

To sponsor the team, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/todtobramsche