ELEVEN courageous firefighters are set to take on an ambitious feat for charity while hopefully claiming an amazing record at the same time.

Tom Easter, 32, and ten of his colleagues at Halstead fire station will be hiking up the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, on May 18 in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

Located in Scotland, Ben Nevis’s summit is 1,345 metres above sea level and the group will be going up the mountain in their firefighter equipment.

At 8am, they will start their ascent up the mountain wearing their heavy-duty fire uniforms... and carrying a fire service ladder.

Halstead Gazette: Up for the challenge - Tom Easter pictured on the far left whilst standing with his colleaguesUp for the challenge - Tom Easter pictured on the far left whilst standing with his colleagues (Image: Halstead Fire Station)

Once at the summit, the group will set the ladder up and climb it to set the record for the UK’s highest ladder pitch.

Tom said: “We have quite a mix at the station. Our ages range from late 20s, 30s, and some are in their 50s.

“I think the team is feeling optimistic. Only one or two of our members will have to push on the challenge.

“We will go as a team at a slow pace, and we will finish it as a team.”

Halstead Gazette: Trek - An image of hikers at a section of Ben NevisTrek - An image of hikers at a section of Ben Nevis (Image: Pixabay)

“We are really excited about it and want to raise money for the charity.”

The Fire Fighters Charity helps serving and retired UK firefighters and their families with much-needed support and resources.

A JustGiving page has been set up for donations to help reach the team's target goal of £5,000.

Currently £800 has been donated and all funds raised will be donated to the charity.

Tom, who has been a firefighter for almost seven years, said they fully believe in the charity and the work it does.

Halstead Gazette: In uniform - Tom and more of his colleagues with the ladder they will carry up Ben NevisIn uniform - Tom and more of his colleagues with the ladder they will carry up Ben Nevis (Image: Halstead Fire Station)

He said: “We recognise that the charity helps people in our position. If something was to happen in the future, they would be there for us.

“It tied in well to what we are doing.

“We know people who have used the charity in the past, and it is important to look after your colleagues."

To donate, go to tinyurl.com/5m5wsk2j.