A Westbury retained firefighter is preparing to tackle the world’s toughest 13-mile obstacle course next month to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Andy Nash, who lives in Station Road with wife Sam and two-year-old daughter Ava, will compete in Tough Mudder South West on September 21, with two other firefighters, Danny Barraclough and Darren Young, from Frome.

The 27-year-old aims to raise £1,000 for the charity, which provides rehabilitation for injured firefighters and care for families left behind when a firefighter is killed while on duty.

Mr Nash has been supported in his fundraising efforts by his daytime employer, VW Heritage Van Centre in Westbury, which has provided him with a converted VW Amarok truck for transportation to the event in Crickhowell, Wales.

Tough Mudder events, which happen around the world, are hardcore obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie.

Mr Nash, who has been a firefighter for eight years, said: “We have always supported The Fire Fighters Charity, but I was spurred on to do something bigger as it is its 75th anniversary this year.

“I initially aimed to raise £650, but I have already managed £523 after getting sponsored by everyone at work, so I am now targeting £1,000.

“We have had two firefighters in the past who had career-ending injuries, so I want to raise as much as I can.”

There will be a fundraising car wash at Westbury Fire Station on August 10 from 10am-4pm, with all the funds going towards The Fire Fighters Charity.