FIREFIGHTERS in Runcorn took part in the Liverpool Santa Dash to launch a series of festive challenges for a charity helping children with cerebral palsy.

The Blue Watch crew at Runcorn Fire Station were among thousands who ran around the city's street on Sunday to raise money for the Stick ‘n’ Step charity.

The firefighters have set up a JustGiving page for the 5k run and hope to amass £500 for the charity that offers support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families.

Speaking on behalf of the crew, Blue Watch Manager Ben Sanderson said: "It's not easy running 5k dressed in a Santa suit.

"Our faces were as red as our Santa costumes by the end of the run, but the event went really well and was a lot of fun.

"It was a privilege to do the run in aid of the Stick ‘n’ Step charity.

"There are two Stick ‘n’ Step centres, one at the Tudor Hall building in York Street, Runcorn, and one in Wallasey.

"The charity does fantastic work for children with cerebral palsy, including free conductive education sessions to develop the skills needed to live independent lives.

"Children from the Runcorn centre came to see us at our fire station in the summer and we returned the favour by visiting them last week.

"Having met the children and learnt about how much the charity helps them and their families, we are planning on doing a series of fundraising challenges in aid of Stick ‘n’ Step.

"The Santa Dash in Liverpool city centre is just the start.

“We are hoping to raise £500 for the charity from the fun run.

"Any donations given via our JustGiving page will be greatly appreciated.”

To make a donation visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runcornbluewatch