Three mountains totalling 15,269 feet and 11 hours of driving were the massive challenges facing four Odsal firemen.

The super-fit team took part in the Three Peaks Challenge when they had a maximum of 24 hours to run up and down the country's biggest peaks - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

They were aiming to beat a time of 17 hours eight minutes for the route, which included the time spent travelling between the peaks. But, in the end, they managed to complete it in 17 hours 42 minutes after one of the crew became ill.

The challenge started at about 6pm on Sunday, and ended when they reached the summit of Snowdon in Wales yesterday afternoon.

Leading the team, which consisted of four runners and two drivers, was Station Commander Allan Jones, 54.

He said: "Unfortunately one of our team members became ill with violent stomach cramps on Ben Nevis, the first mountain. He managed to complete it but the cramps returned on Snowden and Scafell, which slowed us down."

The team was raising funds for the National Fire Service Benevolence Fund and Hill Top Primary School, which will use the money to buy two benches to commemorate two former pupils.

Sarah Adams, eight, died in an accident with a car when she was trying to cross Rooley Lane last August. And ten-year-old Vanessa Molineux died in March this year after losing her battle against a brain tumour.

Head teacher Stephen Hannam said he was thrilled the firemen had decided to raise money for the school.

"It's a good cause as far as we're concerned as it helps us provide something for the rest of the school and it keeps the children in our minds," he said.

Mr Jones said: "Last year there was a fire team from the Highlands and Islands that beat us. Obviously they get the training up there, but we hoped to get close to their time this year." As well as maintaining station pride, he said the race was an opportunity to raise funds for two worthy causes.

"It's one way to put something back for our colleagues that have been injured.

It's nice to put something back into the local community as well," he said.

l Anyone who wants to back the team's efforts should contact Odsal fire station on (01274) 677916 or take donations to the nearest fire station.