FIREFFIGHTERS pedalled their way to raise nearly 2,000 for the Sparkle Appeal.

Last September ten firefighters from Maindee, Newport, took part in an 850-mile cycle ride for charity.

They rode from Santander to Gibraltar over a ten-day period to raise funds for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund, and the Sparkle Appeal to raise 6 million for a new centre for disabled children at High Cross.

Around 10,000 was raised altogether, and 1,900 was given to the Sparkle Appeal, with more money expected to come in over the next few weeks.

The Sparkle Appeal was launched to raise funds for the children's centre which is set to help 1,200 disabled children from across Newport, Torfaen and south Monmouthshire.

The cycle ride was the fifth the firefighters have done. Each time they choose a local charity to support and this year they picked the Sparkle Appeal to help local children.

The men took to the streets to gain sponsorship and support before the actual cycle ride, and trained by cycling along the Taff Trail from Cardiff to Brecon.

Daryl Treharne, one of the firefighters who took part, said the ride was tough but good fun.

He said: "It was hard, but we enjoyed it and the amount of money raised was great.

"It is a real achievement finishing off the cycle ride, and a good challenge, but the best part for all the firefighters is raising the money. We are very pleased with the money for the Sparkle Appeal and the Fire Service Benevolent Fund, and are starting to organise the ride for 2006."