A GROUP of hardy firefighters are gearing up for an epic four-day challenge in aid of charity. The six members of White Watch from Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station will head off to Carlisle tomorrow (Friday) after finishing their night shift to begin a

A GROUP of hardy firefighters are gearing up for an epic four-day challenge in aid of charity.

The six members of White Watch from Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station will head off to Carlisle tomorrow (Friday) after finishing their night shift to begin an 84-mile sponsored walk along Hadrian's Wall.

Tom Andrews, Phil Gray, Ian Michell, Tom Barrett, Sean Costello and Ronnie Barker are hoping to raise £2,000 for their two chosen charities, the Fire Services Benevolent Fund and Headway.

In order to complete the walk, the group will need to cover around 20 miles a day.

Despite the distance, they say the changeable weather is their biggest fear.

Ronnie said: "If the weather does come down that's when it's going to be a bit of a downer."

The walk has been meticulously planned by the firefighters, who estimate they have covered around 300 miles so far in practice walks.

They have been walking locally to get fit and have also made two trips to Hadrian's Wall to practise on the hilly terrain they will face when they start the challenge for real.

After completing the walk they will then be whisked back down to Hertfordshire by their driver, former firefighter Bob Fievez, ready to start work again at 9am on Tuesday.

Despite this gruelling schedule, the boys are raring to go.

Ronnie said: "I think we're all ready for it now. The hard work's been done."

If you would like to sponsor White Watch, visit www.justgiving.com/whitewatch or pop into the fire station.