FIREFIGHTERS have picked up a national award after completing a number of endurance challenges in memory of a former colleague .

To date the StrongArm Challenge Team – consisting of 22 firefighters drawn from the Durham and Darlington and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue services – has raised £75,000 for charity through their efforts.

They have now received the Team of the Year Award at the recently held Spirit of Fire Awards 2015, in London, which honour members of the fire community for acts showing courage, bravery and dedication.

Last year, on consecutive days, firefighters swam eight miles in Ullswater, completed a mountain triathlon and took part in a ten mile assault course, carrying a paraplegic team member.

The inspiration for the challenge came about as a result of the death in 2012 of firefighter Peter Metcalfe following a brief battle with cancer.

Mr Metcalfe, 35, was based at Hebburn, Tyneside, and married his wife Angela in hospital two days before he died.

His 43-year-old brother Warren, who is also a firefighter and is based at Durham Fire Station, said: “The Spirit of Fire Awards are a massive thing on the fire service calendar and to come away with the top prize is overwhelming.

“Peter was a very fit, active guy who loved the outdoors and he would also be overwhelmed to think that this amount of money has been raised in his name and that people have been given their time and commitment to take part.

“We now hope to make this an annual event.”

Recipients of the fund raising have included The Fire Fighters Charity, which hosted the awards, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.