A TEAM of firefighters that gave up the hose and boots to pound the pedals for charity have been recognised for raising more than £100,000 for good causes.

The cyclists from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service won the prestigious Team of the Year award last week for their UK-wide journey which took them from John O'Groats to Lands End in 2016.

Their successful challenge saw the group raise some £102,000 with all proceeds going to The Fire Fighters Charity.

The Team of the Year Award was presented at The Fire Fighters Charity's Spirit of Fire Awards held at a special ceremony at One Great George Street, Westminster, London on Thursday.

The winning team - the John O’Groats to Land’s End (JOGLE) team – was made up of 18 cyclists from the Oxfordshire fire service.

Speaking of the JOGLE team’s successes at the event, Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity, Dr Jill Tolfrey, praised the achievement which was initially inspired to mark the memory of a colleague.

He said at the ceremony: “Riding for The Fire Fighters Charity and in memory of a colleague, the JOGLE team’s achievement in raising over £102,000 was remarkable.

"The route covered 1,006 miles and took in eight different fire and rescue services, so a huge section of the UK fire community followed the riders and became involved in this incredible 14-day event.

"Even after they had finished the team continued its fundraising by organising supermarket collections, a ball, raffles, auctions, Christmas fair sales and other events.

"So this award is very well deserved, well done team JOGLE.”

After the award giving ceremony which was hosted by BBC Newsreader Nicholas Owen, the team of firefighters were joined by fellow nominees and winners for a reception at No.10 Downing Street.

The event was hosted by Home Secretary and MP Sajid Javid.

The Fire Fighters Charity’s Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the support and dedication of firefighters and fire and rescue service personnel from across the UK.

The event also saw the presentation of 11 other awards – including a Special Recognition award for Dany Cotton, the Commissioner of London Fire Brigade, for her contribution in promoting positive mental health across the fire service.

It was also a special celebratory event as it marked the 75th anniversary year of The Fire Fighters Charity.

The charity is the UK’s leading provider of health and wellbeing services for the firefighting community.

The Fire Fighters Charity costs £8.5m to operate each year.

For further information on the charity's service and to donate towards the cause visit firefighterscharity.org.uk

Or text FIRE to 70660 to donate £5 or FIRE£10 to 70660 to donate £10 to the charity.