A group of trainee firefighters climbed almost 9,000 miles for charity – up ladders.

The recruits from Avon Fire and Rescue Service joined colleagues from Devon and Somerset to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest.

They undertook the challenge in Cabot Circus shopping centre yesterday to raise money for The Firefighters Charity and Hospiscare Exeter.

To make the 8,840 metre climb, the trainee firefighters had to ascend the ladder 1,006 times.

Watch manager Rich Basham, who is a trainer at the Severn Park Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre at Avonmouth, said: "This was quite a tough challenge for the trainees to undergo and tested their stamina and fitness skills.

"When raising money for charity it can be difficult to come up with creative ways to encourage people to support the event, but this event attracted a lot of attention as it was in such a public place and for two really great causes."

Richard Belt, centre director at Cabot Circus, said: "We were delighted to assist with this fantastic fundraising event and help two such important charities, which both play a vital role in the South West."

The recruits from Avon Fire and Rescue Service joined colleagues from Devon and Somerset to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest.

They undertook the challenge in Cabot Circus shopping centre yesterday to raise money for The Firefighters Charity and Hospiscare Exeter.

To make the 8,840 metre climb, the trainee firefighters had to ascend the ladder 1,006 times.

Watch manager Rich Basham, who is a trainer at the Severn Park Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre at Avonmouth, said: "This was quite a tough challenge for the trainees to undergo and tested their stamina and fitness skills.

"When raising money for charity it can be difficult to come up with creative ways to encourage people to support the event, but this event attracted a lot of attention as it was in such a public place and for two really great causes."

Richard Belt, centre director at Cabot Circus, said: "We were delighted to assist with this fantastic fundraising event and help two such important charities, which both play a vital role in the South West."