A FIREFIGHTER from the North-East is swapping heat for cold after being named one of two winners in the race to represent the UK in the world naked sledding championships.

Holly Garshong, 29, from Barnes, Sunderland, whose parents were nudists, emerged victorious from the last ten finalists and is set to hit the slopes in Germany on February 15.

Ms Garshong received 18 per cent of the total votes, making her the most popular choice from the ten finalists.

“I am really excited to representing my country. It should be a lot of fun. My family and friends think I am mad and so my colleagues at work," she said.

The second representative is Thomas Chrusciel, a 21-year-old British Army Soldier from Eastbourne, Sussex.

Mike Chidzey, spokesperson for organisers Chillisauce.co.uk, said: “The public have spoken and we now have our two representatives - a firefighter and a soldier.

"What more could we ask for? The championship itself has come around very quickly and February 15 will be upon us in absolutely no time, but we have every faith that our team can bring home gold and look great doing it!”

Competitors are allowed to wear pants, boots and a helmet, to keep them safe as they scoot across the snow of the 89-metre course in Braunlage.

It is the first time the UK has entered a team to the competition, now in its fifth year.