BURLY firefighters from across Dorset joined forces to pull a fire engine along Bournemouth promenade to Poole for causes close to their hearts.

Off-duty crews from Westbourne, Poole, Springbourne, Redhill and Christchurch used muscle power to boost the coffers of The Fire Fighters Charity and Bournemouth-based Youth Cancer Trust.

They also raised funds for the Mark Giblin Support Fund, set-up to help Poole firefighter Mark, who has been diagnosed with liver cancer.

Allan Frias-Robles, organiser and Poole crew manager said: “The event was a great success, although the weather tried to put a dampener on our plans we had huge support.”

He thanked all those who donated adding: “So far we have raised £900 and we are still busy fundraising. We wanted to support a well respected and liked local firefighter who has been helping make Dorset communities safe for over ten years.”

In teams of eight, the firefighters pulled the engine on two ropes from Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks with collectors taking donations from passers-by as they went.

Friends and families gathered along the route to support them and cheer them on. On July 21, a fundraising ladder climb will take place at Poole’s Falklands Square.