Firefighters from Oxfordshire will swap their breathing apparatus for climbing gear when they take on Britain's three biggest peaks for charity.

Eight firefighters from Green Watch at the Rewley Road fire station in Oxford are taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge on June 26-27.

They will donate half of the money raised to the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund, which looks after the welfare of injured firefighters past and present as well as widows and orphans.

The rest will go to the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind.

The firefighters will tackle Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in less than 24 hours, which includes travelling time between the peaks.

Paul Beaumont, one of the climbers, said: "We're all looking forward to it, as well as feeling a little nervous."

Cheques should be made payable to Green Watch Charity Events at Green Watch, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Rewley Road, Oxford, OX1 2EH.

The firefighters will also be doing a car wash at Rewley Road between 10am and 3pm on May 24. For more information contact Paul Beaumont on 07734 087284.