The selfless bravery of fire fighters who tackled a major blaze in Fakenham has inspired 42-year-old Adam Potter to take on the biggest challenge of his life.

Mr Potter will attempt to keep moving on a treadmill for 24 hours to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

The charity supports serving and retired fire fighters, fire personnel and their families in the time of need.

Mr Potter, who lives in Wicken Green, near Fakenham and works for disability charity Fitzroy Support, was prompted to take on the challenge after witnessing the way fire fighters tackled the biggest fire Fakenham has seen for generations, on May 25.

He said: 'They do an unbelievable job. I saw how many hours they worked to keep us safe.

'They give up family time and work time and they just drop everything at a moment's notice to keep us all safe.'

Mr Potter will be attempting his treadmill challenge between 2pm on August 23 and 2pm the next day.

He will do it at Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre, on Trap Lane, which is staying open all night especially for him.

Mr Potter, a member of Cromer-based North Norfolk Beach Runners, said: 'I keep myself fit but this will be the hardest thing I've ever done.

'I'm aiming to complete 100 miles if I can.

'It's going to be really tough but I have should have a bit of support to keep me going.'

Among those who will be cheering Mr Potter on are his friend, town councillor and former Fakenham mayor Adrian Vertigan, crew members from Fakenham Fire Station and sports centre manager Colin Brzeczek.

Mr Brzeczek said: 'We are always very happy to help out with any event which is supporting a good cause within the community.

'We're delighted to be helping Adam with this and I wish him the best of luck.'

Gary Thorpe, watch manager at Fakenham Fire Station, said: 'It's fantastic to see Adam doing this for us and we'll try to get some guys down here to cheer him on.

'The support we've had from the community since the fire in Fakenham Market Place has been absolutely tremendous.

'To date £3,615 has been raised for us since that fire, with big contributions from Fakenham Town Council, The Original Factory Shop and people at Fakenham Racecourse.

'The Fire Fighters Charity has supported many local fire fighters.'

Among the people who have been supported by the charity are Fakenham fire fighter Richard Pearson, 42.

The charity helped pay for his travelling expenses 14 years ago when his daughter spent 10 weeks in hospital after being born prematurely.

People can sponsor Mr Potter by going to www.justgiving.com/adam-24hrtreadmill or calling him on 07586 344454.

Are you taking on a gruelling challenge for charity? E mail newsdesk@archant.co.uk