TWO Taunton firemen are taking on a series of charity events to raise money for causes close to their hearts.

Lee Owen, 28, and Ben Spalding, 27, will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September.

The trek will take them a week to climb 19,340 feet above sea level in order to raise money for charity.

Mr Owen has chosen Children's Hospice South West and Mr Spalding has chosen the Firefighters Charity.

As well as the big climb, the pair have been hosting events such as bingo nights and charity car washes. Their next event is a 10km fireman's lift on July 22. The event will see the two firefighters carrying adult sized dummies from Wellington Fire Station to Taunton Fire Station, stopping at various businesses along the way.

Mr Owen said: "I want to raise a massive £3,500 for Children Hospice South West, a charity that helps to provide so much comfort, support and great memories for terminally ill and life-limiting children and their families.

"The whole family can stay at one of three hospices, and with a dedicated sibling support service available, this means that brothers and sisters can also be cared for to allow them to relax and spend precious time with parents and each other."

Mr Spalding has chosen the Firefighters Charity.

He said: "The charity actively supports firefighters in need, whether injured, ill or in need of psychological support to come to terms with the life and death situations they face on a daily basis, it exists to support the everyday heroes of the UK fire community."

To donate to the fire-fighter duo, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LeeOwen88.