FIREFIGHTERS from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have completed a gruelling marathon walk along the Jurassic Coast in full kit to raise money for Julia's House.

The 12 firefighters from the Corsham crew, who are seasoned fundraisers, completed the walk in the second week of September across the cliff side in sun and rain to smash their fundraising target of £4,000.

Andy Webster, 50, said: "It was super tough and it was probably the toughest thing we have ever done. It looks pretty small on the map but it is very hilly and we got absolutely soaked towards the start of the walk. When we got to the 13th mile mark we got onto the flat but the sun came out and it got really hot.

"We said at the time that the pain we will be going through is nothing compared to the children and the families of this charity are going through. We are hoping we will be able to go up and do a big cheque presentation in the future and when the new place opens in Devizes hopefully we can take an engine up there for the kids to enjoy."

Although the firefighters were supposed to be off-duty, they ended up giving a helping hand to a woman involved in a car accident shortly after arriving at the half-way mark.

"Just before the half-way point, a lady had problems with a dog who wouldn't move from the front of her car and she had gone into a wall and knocked over a signpost which had hit another car," Mr Webster explained. "We couldn't just carry on walking so we made sure she was okay before the police and the ambulance arrived."

Despite being exhausted, the men helped each other along the way with many describing it as a "great experience". They surpassed their £200 each request from the charity which will help pay for six and a half hours of care for a sick child and respire for a parent.

To contribute to Corsham Fire's fundraiser visit www.justgiving.com/teams/Corshamfire.