A group of firefighters have praised the 'fantastic' support they received after completing a gruelling charity bike ride.

The retained crew members from Wrentham Fire Station completed the tough five day charity cycle, travelling almost 400 miles across the country from Llangefni in Wales to Lowestoft.

The five firefighters arrived back in Lowestoft on Friday evening (June 22) and were greeted by cheers and applause as friends, family and firefighters from Lowestoft South Fire Station turned out to welcome them home.

Some of the retained crew of Wrentham fire station – consisting of firefighters Aaron English, Steve Howard, Shane Sillett, James Supple and Richard Supple – set out on the 'Wrentham Fire Ride' last week as they cycled from the west of the country to the UK's most easterly town raising more than £3,000 and awareness for two important charities – The Fire Fighters Charity and Mind.

The punishing Welsh mountains and long distance cycles meant the challenge was 'very, very tough' for the firefighters, as they wearily arrived back in north Suffolk.

James Supple, crew commander at Wrentham Station, said: 'It was very, very tough. Up until September it was only me who had a bike, and the other guys have got back into cycling to complete this challenge.

'To come from Suffolk, which is extremely flat, to cycle in Wales and the Welsh mountains was difficult. The first day and third days were hard, but we started it together and finished it together – I am very proud of these guys.

'To have people meeting us in Lowestoft is phenomenal, seeing friends and family again is amazing. The support we have had across the whole country has been fantastic as have the other fire stations we stayed at along the way. We are incredibly grateful for the support of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and our sponsors.'

Steve Howard added: 'It has been a great effort from all the guys. Wherever we went and stayed everyone welcomed us – it was fantastic.'

Having raised £2,200 for the charities, the firefighters were boosted by a further £1,000 donation from Kingsley Healthcare as they arrived back in Lowestoft. Mr Supple added: 'We are extremely grateful to all who donated, and as the total raised went up it gave us that extra little bit of incentive.'

You can still donate to the Wrentham Fire Ride via www.wrenthamfireride.com