Firefighter Tim Edwards will put on his hot and heavy work gear to run 10km and raise money for a charity close to his heart at the Grand East Anglia Run.

He will wear race number 999 for the annual race which takes runners on a loop through King's Lynn town centre.

GEAR organisers offered a free place to the 999 emergency services, and Elizabeth Nockolds, West Norfolk Council's cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said: 'We thought it would be a nice gesture to offer a free place, with the number 999, to those services as a way of really highlighting their involvement.'

Mr Edwards, who is West Norfolk's fire service district manager, has entered the GEAR twice before, and said: 'How could I resist running under the 999 number when offered?

'It was a great opportunity not only to enter the GEAR event again but also to run in support of the Firefighters' Charity whose aim it is to help members of the fire and rescue community, who put their lives on the line every day to save others, and support their families.

'I know from first hand experience how vital their work is. Following an accident in 1997 I accessed the Firefighters' Charity. They supported my rehabilitation and helped me return to operational duties. They make a real difference.'

He can be sponsored at https://www.justgiving.com/FireTim or by sending a text KLYN99 £2/£5/£10 to 70070.

The Bespak Grand East Anglia Run is on Sunday, May 1, with the main 10km race starting at 10.45am in the Tuesday Market Place in Lynn, and the mini GEAR fun run starting at 10am. Enter online at www.grandeastangliarun.co.uk

Are you taking part in a run for charity? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk