WINSFORD firefighters are riding to France in soaring temperatures - without leaving the town.

Crews are mounting a static 433 mile bike ride, the distance from the Sadler Road fire station to Deuil-la-Barre, Winsford's twin town, starting at 9am on Saturday.

To make the challenge more difficult, firefighters will be wearing full kit as a heatwave is expected.

Firefighters have set up a JustGiving page and hope their epic feat will raise £1,500 for The Fire Fighters Charity.

The team will be cycling on the Kwikfit car park in High Street and hope members of the public will cheer them on.

A marquee and charity banners will be set up to encourage donations.

Crew manager Darren Hickson said: "We usually have an open day and car washes to raise funds but this year because of Covid-19 we can't do that. We have come up with some different ideas."

Firefighters will be sharing videos on Facebook and Twitter throughout the day to showcase various aspects of their job.

Crews tackled a mock up of an emergency HGV accident and will demonstrate how they use sophisticated cutting gear to rescue casualties.

Residents will be able to see how firefighters use breathing apparatus to search a burning house for survivors.

"We will be releasing safety messages and videos about our training," said crew manager Hickson. "There will also be information about how to become a firefighter."

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The Firefighters Charity provides confidential, personalised support to the whole of the fire services community, delivering mental health, physical health and social wellbeing services at their centres, remotely, online and in communities around the UK.

Championing the health and wellbeing of all those they support - serving, retired or dependant - they aim to ensure that their beneficiaries can live well, for life. In addition, they are not all firefighters.

They exist to support all fire and rescue service personnel, whatever their role in the service. They are also there for all those who have retired, as well as for spouses and qualifying dependants.

The cancellation of fundraising events is causing the charity's income to fall short by £200,000 a month.

To donate visit orlo.uk/iw8jq