FIREFIGHTERS scaled new heights when they took on a challenge to climb the height of Mount Everest to raise money for charity.

FIREFIGHTERS scaled new heights when they took on a challenge to climb the height of Mount Everest to raise money for charity.

The 18 volunteers from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service climbed a rescue ladder set against Ipswich town hall until they had reached the combined height of the massive mountain.

The crews from Princes Street and Colchester Road fire stations in Ipswich managed the impressive feat in little more than two hours after getting under way at about noon yesterday.

Around 520 climbs were needed to reach 8,848m - or the “summit” of the world's highest mountain.

Money was collected from passers-by while the firefighters completed the task.

Geoff Pike, Ipswich district commander, said: “It hasn't been as straight forward as perhaps it appeared when they started - there has been a bit of sweat.”

He added that the group had been backed strongly by members of the public on the Cornhill.

He said: “People are always very supportive of all the fundraisers we do.

“It has been very positive.”

Money raised from the event will go to The Firefighters' Charity and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).