TWO Clacton firefighters will don their heavy work gear and take on a mammoth tandem cycle ride to raise cash for charity.

Paul and Dale, who are based at Clacton fire station, have pledged to cycle the 60-mile route of the upcoming Tour de Tendring in their full fire gear.

The duo will take on the daunting challenge to support pal and fellow firefighter Robbie Newman, whose son suffers from a mystery condition.

Young Stanley Newman, who turns two years old in May, has developed an illness which affects his muscles.

It has left him weak and floppy, and means he cannot move around or keep himself upright, though his speech and brain function is normal.

After a year of unpleasant examinations and tests, doctors are still none the wiser about the cause of the problem.

Parents Robbie and Laura are still battling to find out what is wrong with their son.

Along the way they have been supported by SWAN UK, which stands for Syndromes Without a Name, and they have pledged to drum up awareness and raise cash for the charity.

All cash raised through the gruelling tandem cycle ride will go to SWAN UK.

People can sponsor their efforts online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/FiremenTandem