A TEAM of four kind Cumbrae firefighters walked around the island in their full kit to raise money for Australian firefighters and their families.

Austen Currie, Steven Muir, Scott Watson and Nathan Caldwell collected £660 that will be sent to the Australian Volunteers' Support Trust, which was set up following the deadly bushfires to help firefighters down under and their families who were killed or injured tackling the ferocious blazes.

The group finished the 10 mile ‘kit walk’ in just over three and a half hours, wearing over 10kg worth of apparatus, including working boots and helmets.

Crew Commander Austen said: “After seeing all the videos of the firefighters in Australia, we were all moved by their courage. They were putting their lives at risk in the harshest of circumstances with the world watching.

“These boys were still running out the door and doing everything they could to preserve the lives of people and animals and it struck a chord with us.”

Scott added: "Respect goes to all our emergency and military services, regardless of the colour of their uniform, who put their lives on the line each day to protect us from whatever threat they are faced with, especially those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to do so.

"It was an honour to take part and help this great cause."

The firefighters were well supported by the local community, with the Ritz café providing coffees and ice creams as they walked and the Newton Bar hosting them for soup and sandwiches after crossing the finishing line.

The firefighters would like to thank everybody who donated and to all those who helped along the way.

Photos: Alan Cawley