Fratton superstore hosts fitness challenge to kickstart the Cockleshell Challenge

Wearing breathing apparatus and full kit, firefighters performed physical activities using a running machine and gym equipment.

The event was part of a larger series of challenges which will culminate in the 70-mile Gironde Estuary Paddle in 10 collapsible two-man kayaks.

That will consist of a team of 25 firefighters kayaking the route of the original Second World War Cockleshell Heroes Operation Frankton on the Gironde Estuary to the port of Bordeaux in France.

Jasper Taylor, a firefighter at Southsea fire station’s Community Inclusion Team, said: ‘This event is close to our hearts as local firefighters, as the training by the Royal Marines took place in Portsmouth for four months prior to the mission in 1942.’

The mission will raise money for The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, Fighters Charity, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Special Boat Service Association. To find out more go to cockleshellchallenge.co.uk