A group of trainee firefighters took on an epic charity challenge when they scaled the heights of Bennachie hill, Aberdeenshire - in full firefighting kit.

The 24-strong crew based at SFRS’ Portlethen training centre took a day out of their gruelling schedule on Thursday, July 12 to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan trust and Archie foundation.

The dedicated group conquered the 1,699ft climb wearing full breathing apparatus, including an oxygen cylinder - weighing in at 25kg.

It concluded a busy week for Scotland’s trainee firefighters. after crews based at Cambuslang and Thornton also took on a 278 mile walk around Hampden and a 5km walk across the Forth Road Bridge wearing breathing apparatus.

Watch Manager Andrew Wright, Portlethen course leader, said: “This was by no means an easy task for the trainees.

“They have been through a tough training schedule and have managed to take some time out to raise funds for two very important charities.

“They should all be proud of their charity efforts and keep thriving to maintain the high standards set within their training regime.”

But, it’s not the first massive climb for one of the trainee firefighters.

Former retained Crew Manager Darren Ryan took on his own challenge last year when he scaled Ben Nevis in full fire kit.

He said: “Scaling Ben Nevis had really helped me prepare for what was a difficult climb up Bennachie Hill.

“Climbing a hill or mountain yourself is hard enough but wearing full fire kit and breathing apparatus is a real task.

“The group is like one big family so we all pulled together and helped motivate each other to the top.

“It was an amazing experience and I’m so proud to be involved in this latest group of SFRS trainee firefighters.”