A group of firefighters are midway through the second day of a gruelling charity bike ride.

The retained crew members from Wrentham Fire Station set off from Llangefni Fire Station in Wales yesterday (Monday) as they cycle 381 miles across the country as part of special challenge.

The five firefighters have set out on the 'Wrentham Fire Ride,' from Wales to Lowestoft, which is due to be completed as the group arrive at south Lowestoft fire station this Friday, June 22.

Some of the retained crew of Wrentham fire station – consisting of firefighters Aaron English, Steve Howard, Shane Sillett, James Supple and Richard Supple – are cycling from the west of the country to the UK's most easterly town as they raise money and awareness for two important charities – The Fire Fighters Charity and Mind.

As they approach Staffordshire on the second day of their challenge, which is due to arrive at Burton fire station later today (Tuesday), James Supple, crew commander at Wrentham Station, said: 'We have been training hard over the past few months and are incredibly grateful for the support of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, other fire stations across the UK who will be providing assistance and to our sponsors without whom the ride would not be possible.

'We have already raised over £1,700 for our charities and we are extremely grateful to anyone who is able to donate even a small amount.'

On Friday the crew will visit the Suffolk County Council offices at Endeavour House in Ipswich to meet Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service colleagues, before cycling the remaining distance to Lowestoft.

The Wrentham Fire Ride is supported by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and is sponsored by Pedal Power, Morrisons Beccles, Morrisons Pakefield, Kingsley Healthcare, Southwold Golf Club, Right Direction Training and Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Ltd.

To donate to the Fire Ride, or to find out more, please visit www.wrenthamfireride.com