Station's 72-mile challenge in memory of Grenfell

A West Yorkshire fire crew who organised a 72-mile (115km) challenge in memory of the 72 people who died in the Grenfell Tower fire said the event was a "poignant reminder" of the dangers of the job.

Bingley Red Watch and the local community used the station's gym equipment to cover the distance with children as young as eight taking part - and the total distance covered was, in fact, 200 miles (320km).

The three-hour challenge took place at Bingley Fire Station and has so far raised more than £700 for charity.

Organiser and firefighter Matt Broadbent said: "I feel so proud and it was such a positive and life-affirming event to take part in."

About 60 people participated and youngsters completed 1km by jogging around the station 10 times.

Others used a rowing machine, exercise bike, ski ergometer machine and treadmill to complete the combined distance.

Broadbent, 43, said: "It went better than expected and was an amazing community engagement day.

"There was also a sports masseuse giving out treatments and a company giving out carbon monoxide detectors - loads of people getting involved."

The station's fire engine and boat were also on display, as well as the water flume, he added.

Bingley Red Watch is raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity and the Grenfell Foundation ahead of the ninth anniversary on 14 June of the London tower block fire that claimed the lives of 72 people.

Broadbent, who has been a firefighter in West Yorkshire for the last 24 years, said the challenge was also a "time for reflection".

"To remind ourselves how dangerous the job can be - we take for granted how much danger we can be in," he said.

"If we raise £720 - imagine how serendipitous that would be," Broadbent added.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.