FIREFIGHTERS are making final preparations for an assault on Everest base camp.

Some of the team members got into the swing of the challenge last weekend in Durham Market Place when they ran and walked the equivalent of the journey to base camp and raised £630.

Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service Divisional Officer John Robson said: "We are doing the climb to base camp to raise awareness and funds for the Whitley Bay-based charity Show Racism the Red Card.

"The money will be used to buy calendars for schools nationwide, bearing the message of the charity. It is all about equality and fairness for all, in the workplace or in sport."

DO Robson is general secretary of the Fire Service Sports and Athletics Association which is staging the fundraising trip in partnership with Show Racism the Red Card.

Eighteen firefighters will be leaving for the Himalayas next Sunday - including nine from the North-East.

The group will make the round trip of 90 miles climbing to base camp 28,000 ft above sea level.

Further climbs in the pipeline include Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Aconcagua in Argentina, and Cotopaxi Volcano - one of Ecuador's most active.