Whitchurch fire-fighters are preparing to set off on a charity canoe marathon.

The retained firemen will be paddling the 76 miles from Hay-on-Wye to Whitchurch this weekend to raise money for the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund and the NSPCC.

Having completed a trial run from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth last year and practised their rowing in the Symonds Yat waters this summer, event organiser Bryan Thornett believes his team of nine men are ready for the challenge.

"Everyone has been very supportive and we received lots of help from Symonds Yat Canoe Hire and the Lucksall campsite at Holme Lacy, who are allowing us to pitch our tents there for free during our overnight stop," he said.

"We are all looking forward to leaving Hay-on-Wye at 8am on Saturday."

To sponsor the canoeists contact Bryan on 07968692180.