FIREFIGHTERS have won the OX5 Cup for being the fastest team in the charity fun run in aid of Oxford’s Children’s Hospital.

The 25-strong team was led by Kidlington firefighter Richard Bowley – pictured receiving the cup from Newsquest Oxfordshire’s promotions manager Jo Coady, with Penny Hambridge, Paul Webster, Nigel Wilson, Kerry Blair and Kate Allen behind.

The OX5 Cup is awarded by the Oxford Mail to the team with the lowest aggregate time of its top five finishers. The firefighters’ team included race winne Gary Crone, 38, based in Kidlington, who finished the five-mile course around Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, in 28 minutes and 28 seconds.

In previous years, the race has raised up to £50,000 for the children’s hospital.

Ms Hambridge, a spokesman for Oxford Children’s Hospital, said: “We are delighted that the fire and rescue team were triumphant on the day.

“The event was a great success with people running for many reasons but one common goal — to help the children’s hospital. So thank you to everyone who supported us.”

Jo Coady added: “Congratulations to the firefighters — they thoroughly deserved their win.”

Four other firefighters helped to win the trophy. They were: Ellis Bicknell (33: 04), Kerry Blair (35: 40), Jason Crapper (36: 14) and Paul Webster (37: 41).

Picture: Antony Moore