A GROUP of strongmen and women dressed as super heroes have managed to pull a van six miles in a gruelling charity bid.

Six members of the PowerBurn training studios in Thirsk donned superhero outfits and pulled a Ford Transit laden with water from Thirsk School back to their unit on the Alanbrooke Industrial Estate in Topcliffe on Sunday (March 23).

They pulled the vehicle in pairs, dressed as Bananaman, Mighty Mouse, Miss Captain America, Superman, Sub Zero and a “health and safety” superhero - after authorities pointed out someone needed to be wearing high visibility clothing on the road.

One of those pulling the truck was Donna Moore, from Colburn near Catterick, who this year took the title of Britain’s Strongest Woman.

Although the final fundraising total has yet to be totalled up, organisers believe they raised nearly £3,000, some of which came from donations and a fun day at the studio yesterday (Sunday, March 23).

Most of the money will be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, with a portion going to Sport Relief.

Strongwoman Gemma Magnusson, who runs the PowerBurn training studio with her weightlifting husband Benedikt, said: “Everybody was beeping their horns and stopping and putting money out their windows as the truck was being pulled.

“They said having that support from everybody was awesome, especially going up the hill near Dalton, which was gruelling.

“We were pleased to raise so much for the air ambulance; it’s based at Topcliffe just near us and had been out on a job. When they came back they did a low-fly near where the truck was being pulled, which was fantastic.”

The event and fundraising was largely organised by Trevor Rand, from the studio. Others taking part included Tiff O’Kelly, Nicola Wakefield, Steven Purvis and Dan Dixon.