IF ANYBODY is built to withstand scorching heat and extreme pressure, it is Warrington's firefighters.

Matthew Hancock certainly proved his credentials when he took to the sands of the Sahara desert in an attempt to raise money for the Facing Africa charity.

The Birchwood Station firefighter joined 700 athletes in The Marathon des Sables' (The Marathon of the Sands) - considered to be the toughest footrace on earth.

Covering 145 miles over six days in temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, competitors from 30 countries ran while carrying 13 kilos of food, clothing and medical supplies.

The 29-year-old, from Marbury Street in Latchford, started running for charity to support the baby campaign Tommy's, after a cousin lost a child.

He said: "It was hard, I booked to do it in 2005 so I have been running a marathon every six months since then to keep me ticking over.

"In the troughs of the dunes it was really tough. There was no wind and the sun was bouncing off all four sides of you.

"I got some hideous blisters that took about four weeks to heal, you can still see the scars from them now.

"But I was pleased to finish and I wouldn't be afraid to do it again - if my girlfriend would let me!"

Facing Africa helps thousands of children who are suffering from Noma - a horrific gangrenous infection of the face.

If you would like to make a donation, visit matthewhancock.saharamarathon.co.uk or contact Matt at matthancockmds@aol.com or at Birchwood Fire Station on 818379.