FIRE boots were swapped for running shoes when a kind-hearted crew took to the road and raced to raise money for a local school.

Chadderton Fire Station's Red Watch ran 10k for Kingfisher Community Special School and, as a result, took their current fundraising total to £1,300.

The crews were even joined by one of the school's staff - Michael Unsworth - with all runners completed the challenge in Southport in under an hour.

Watch Manager Pete Marshall said: "The day at Southport was fantastic, really nice weather, a bit too hot really for running.

"Michael Unsworth from the school came down and did the run with us.

"Everyone in the team got round well under the hour which was a fantastic achievement - and Lee Richardson whizzed round in just under 44 minutes!"

Not satisfied with completing the Southport 10k in October, Red Watch firefighters already have their sights set on the next charity sporting event for the school and are aiming to do a 10-mile run in March.

Chadderton Red Watch has formed long lasting links with the Kingfisher school and has begun raising money for them.

The crews made their first visit to Kingfisher Special School in Chadderton recently to introduce pupils to the fire and rescue service and teach them about safety.

It proved so successful that the same watch went back and met the rest of the pupils across three summer school sessions and a long-lasting partnership has been formed between the firefighters and the school.

The crews have already decided on their first fundraising activity - money from which will be split between the school and The Fire Fighters Charity - and are planning to take part in a 10k run in October.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the firefighters or supporting their work with Kingfisher is welcome to visit the station or email [email protected].