FIREFIGHTER Glynn Luznyj helped raised about £400 for charity by taking part in one of the UK's ultimate tests of fitness and endurance.

The 32-year-old, of Whitfield Street, Leek, pushed his resolve to the limit when he competed in the Tough Guy Challenge race at Perton near Wolverhampton.

He had to run eight miles cross-country through mud and sub-zero temperature lakes.

The course also involved barbed wire and fire.

A total of 5,200 athletes from all over the world signed up, but more than 600 dropped out due to the effects of hypothermia.

Glynn, who is married to Angela and has twin boys aged three, is Staffordshire Fire Rescue Authority's assistant area commander for Stoke-on-Trent.

He signed up for the challenge with his colleague David Bennion.

The pair then underwent extensive training at Brough Park Leisure Centre, in Leek.

Glynn said: "The conditions for the race were awful. It was bitterly cold and it was incredibly difficult.

"You were in and out of the water and had to break ice as you went.

"And you had to swim in underwater tunnels, go through barbed wire and mud.

"It drained your legs just one third of the way around the course."

Glynn completed the course in one hour 39 minutes against the winning time of one hour 20 minutes.

Dave, 27, from Baddeley Green, finished in two hours 40 minutes.

Glynn said: "Out of the 5,200 competitors I came 140th. I was really pleased with the time which was just 19 minutes behind the winner."

The two firefighters collected about £400, which will be split between The Fire Fighters Charity and the armed forces Funds for Heroes.

Glynn added: "I have always enjoyed taking part in sports challenges, especially when it involves raising money for charities which support firefighters and our armed forces.

"This was by far one of the hardest physical challenges I have ever taken part in.

"Congratulations must be extended to Dave's father, Bernard, who also completed the course.

"We would like to thank family, friends and work colleagues who sponsored us.

"We are delighted at the amount of money we have raised."