Trainee firefighters felt the heat in Fife recently as they crossed the Forth Road Bridge in full breathing apparatus.

A total of 21 wholetime recruits completed the gruelling 5km walk – in 20+ degree celsius temperatures – over the iconic landmark that connects Edinburgh and Fife.

The team completed it while kitted out in safety kit weighing 25kg – the same as a bag of cement.

The sweltering effort was part of a fundraising effort in support of three charities -  The SFRS Family Support Trust, Scottish Burned Children’s Club and Stevens-Johnson syndrome awareness. 

Station Manager Gary Kelly, of the SFRS training base in Thornton, Fife, said:"Crossing the Forth Road Bridge wearing full firefighting equipment is no mean feat at the best of times – but to do it during this heatwave is quite something.

"The weather was a challenge, but this was a great display of the physical fitness and positive mental attitude expected of our recruits, both individually and working together as a team.

"All our trainees displayed great enthusiasm before and during the event, just as they have done throughout their training.

"I would finally like to thank the members of the public who generously donated to this effort which will assist a number of our charity partners, enabling them to continue to assist communities."