A team of East Devon firefighters paid tribute to those who died during 9/11 by walking 20 miles wearing their full kit and breathing apparatus.

They set off from the RNLI in Exmouth on the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks in the US and have so far raised almost £1,500 for charity.

Their route took them along the seafront then through Lympstone, Exton, Topsham, Countess Wear, Exeter Quay, Topsham Road, Darts Farm and back to their base in Clyst St George.

A total of 2,977 people died in the terror attacks, including 67 Britons and 343 firefighters.

The money raised during the walk will be donated to The Fire Fighters Charity.

One of the 10-strong team, Dave Jones said: “Our fire engine followed us along the route so that if we were needed we were crewing as we were walking!

“Being a firefighter is almost like a brotherhood. What happened that day sits with you. When you hear some of the stories from the firefighters who survived, it resonates.”

Several fire and rescue services across the UK paid their respects with a number of fundraising events to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Dr Jill Tolfrey, chief e`xecutive of The Fire Fighters Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity, I thank them for their support, and extend my deepest condolences to all those remembering loved ones lost as a result of these events.

“Twenty years after that devastating September day across America, we once again came together to remember all those who lost their lives, including the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“It was a day to pay tribute to their huge sacrifice, as well as the sacrifices made by firefighters here in the UK and across the world every day as they go above and beyond to help their communities, often in the most dangerous of circumstances.”

One of those who made a donation, Sue Sampson, said: “Super proud of you all.”

You can still make a donation by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clyststgeorgestation45?fbclid=IwAR28zL3lxFDd5bq0-I-Yu-zTM4ZJRxLFAIZPmNkJ4m4utxpNFRFxOMYhD0A