Fire and Rescue Service staff take on a 72-hour baton relay run through Norfolk for charity

More than 250 Norfolk fire fighters and fire staff are set to run night and day for 72 hours over a distance of 385 miles in an epic baton relay between all 42 fire stations in the county to raise money for charity.

Teams from every station will take turns to run and/or crew support vehicles around the clock to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity as part of the annual Chief's Challenge event.

The charity provides lifelong support to fire service staff and their families in the UK and has supported hundreds of fire fighters from Norfolk during the 80 years it has been running.

Great Yarmouth Fire Station is where it all begins at 6pm on Thursday 28 September, with the challenge due to finish at Carrow Jubilee Station in Norwich at around 4:30pm on Sunday 1 October. Runners will be using a brass fire hose, known as a branch, as their baton as each one does their bit in the relay.

Chief Fire Officer Ceri Sumner said: "This challenge is a great opportunity for us to come together as a service with pride and purpose and it's all the more special as it's our 75th anniversary year. Everyone in our service can take part whether they are running or part of the support teams for the run.

"This is all about giving something back to a fantastic national charity which has given such unwavering support to hundreds of fire service staff and their families in our county.

"The job of a fire fighter is hugely rewarding but it can be mentally and physically challenging at times and our staff hugely appreciate that the Fire Fighters Charity is there to offer them such excellent support."

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for Communities and Partnerships said: "Our fire service staff and fire stations play an important role in communities across the county.

"The Chief's Challenge is a fantastic way to engage with those communities and bring everyone together to raise money for a charity which offers such crucial and much-appreciated additional support."

The challenge was conceived and meticulously planned by NFRS crew manager Tom Diaper from Wymondham Fire Station.

Members of the public can support fire fighters and fire staff from their local station through Just Giving and by cheering them on as they run through their communities next month. View the Norfolk Chief's Challenge Just Giving page.