SUFFOLK Firefighters took on a truly Herculean task for charity – by climbing the height of Mount Olympus.

They completed the task . . . without leaving Suffolk County Council’s headquarters of Endeavour House.

The team of firefighters raised between �3,000 and �4,000 by completing the task before Thursday’s full meeting of the county council.

As well as climbing about 13 metres to the third floor of Endeavour House, they abseiled down to the ground bringing volunteers with them.

They completed the task 300 times to equal the height of Mt Olympus.

Chief fire officer Andy Fry said: “Every year we raise money for the Firefighters’ Appeal. Normally we do this by washing cars – but with the water restrictions earlier this year we had to find another project.

“We came up with the idea of climbing the height of Mt Olympus as it’s very appropriate this year. We’re sharing the money between the Firefighters’ Appeal and the chairman’s appeal – Suffolk Family Carers.”

Among those brought down by the team was cabinet member with responsibility for public safety Colin Spence.

He said: “It’s a great event and a bit nerve-wracking, the worst bit is when you go over the side at the top of the building.”