SWINDON firefighters will be rowing the length of the River Thames without leaving dry land.

The challenge, using static rowing machines, will take place outside the At Home area within Swindon Designer Outlet this weekend.

Four machines will be set up to each cover one quarter of the 215-mile distance and firefighters will take it in turns to tackle the challenge.

The event is part of Swindon 50-4-50, a year long programme planned to raise £50,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Drove Road fire station.

Watch manager Clive Hall, who has spearheaded the 50-4-50 fundraising, said the Thames challenge would be the toughest event yet.

“We reckon it will take about six or seven hours to complete, so we’re hoping that colleagues from across Swindon will come along and do a stint to help us out,” he said.

“We do have firefighter Warren Matthews, who won a gold medal at last year’s World Firefighter Games for indoor rowing, so we have someone to try and emulate.”

Crew manager Mark Altree said: “I’ve been training quite hard and taking this seriously for the last four months.

“There will be teams of three each taking it in turns to row for about 20 minutes. It should be a good day.”

All donations made during the event, which starts at 10am on Saturday, November 7, will go towards the £50,000 target.

Since the beginning of the year £39,000 has already been raised through events.

These include a ladies’ driving challenge, an Everest ladder climb, an open day at Drove Road fire station, several car washes and numerous individual efforts in marathons, the Three Peaks Challenge and endurance races.

Firefighters have until Wednesday, March 31 to reach their fundraising target.

If you would like to find out more about Swindon 50-4-50 visit www.swindonfirestation.info.

To make a donation log on to www.justgiving.co.uk/ swindonfirefighters.