FIREFIGHTERS at Royston station are to take on two slightly different types of challenge.

They have signed up to a competition to find the UK’s healthiest fire service workplace, while six of them are to run the New York Marathon in November.

They are keen to engage the Royston public too, by holding fitness classes, fun runs, and other health initiatives, while supporting local charities at the same time.

Station commander Seam Comerford said: “The Fire Service Sports and Athletics Association issued a national challenge to find the healthiest workplace in the country.

“The challenge has three strands: to help people get fit, support local charities, and to engage the local community.

“We will be holding fitness classes and other schemes from March, right up until the start of the Olympics in 2012, when a national judging panel decides who wins.”

Mr Comerford was keen to stress that the fitness classes would not necessarily be for those who are usual gym-goers. “We’re looking to arrange classes for mother and toddler groups, the elderly, children that aren’t usually into keeping fit, and of course those that are keener,” he said.

“Some can get intimidated by going to the gym, so over the next 18 months we’ll be offering an alternative that eases people into keeping fit.

“We’ll also go out to schools, particularly during sports day, and halls to play a part in fitness classes.”

All the events will raise money for The Firefighters Charity, with local beneficiaries also receiving funds.

Meanwhile, six Firefighters from Royston will be jetting over to New York to take part in the city’s marathon, which takes on special meaning this year.

“It’s the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 disaster this year, which affected so many Firefighters from New York in an emotional way. We’ll be going over there as representatives from Royston to show support for them.

“We have all been in training, and are aiming for a total of �2,500 ech, which will also be going to The Firefighters charity and more local charities.

“Firefighters are naturally fit people, and to a man we will be wanting to do well.”

If you would like more information on any of the upcoming events, or would like to be involved as a charity, sponsor or participant, please call the station on 01763 822100.