SKELMANTHORPE firefighters are seen about to start their marathon ladder climb in a bid to smash the world record.

The 10-strong team of part-timers is also doing the event outside Wakefield Cathedral for Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, a charity which grants wishes to children aged three to 17, living with life-threatening illnesses.

They began at 3pm yesterday and were due to finish at 3pm today.

They have trained hard for a year and need to climb the equivalent of just over 65 miles to break the record.

A ladder structure has been built at the fire station and they have been running and rowing too.

Every team member will climb for 30 minutes and then have a 20-minute rest.

Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, which is based in Camberley, Surrey, has granted more than 4,000 wishes since it began in 1986.