Pedal power pushes GMFRS firefighters and staff towards cycle success

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service staff and firefighters are never afraid of a bit of legwork - but they took that determination to another level by cycling 4,500 miles in a recent challenge.

People from across the organisation took part in the annual Greater Manchester Cycle Challenge and now the totals are in, it reveals an impressive picture.

Staff from across the service competed to see who could get the most colleagues out on their bikes and find out who was cycling the most miles.

The results are in with each category showing a different area of the organisation excelling.

Sam Pickles, environment manager for GMFRS, said: "Our firefighters and staff are always really keen to do their best to improve the communities of Greater Manchester through being greener - and they also have a healthy competitive streak so they really threw themselves into this!

"We're really proud of the efforts made by everyone - no matter how big or small, it contributed to some brilliant results."

The Greater Manchester Cycle Challenge took place throughout May and June.

Sale Green Watch saw the highest percentage of people signed up - with 75 per cent of the watch taking part during the three-week challenge.

Wigan Fire Station went the distance - with an average of 243 miles cycled per person!

And finally Kevin McDermott from the Prevention and Protection team led the pack - cycling a staggering 842 miles during the three-week challenge.

He was second out of everyone in Greater Manchester and one of only six people in the entire challenge to cycle more than 800 miles.