Super-fit Bradford firefighters were poised to smash the 24-hour world ladder climbing record today and earn a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The ten-strong team - eight from Bradford's Nelson Street station and two from Shipley - set out to beat the existing record of 102.5 km at midday yesterday.

If they complete the challenge, they will have each scaled the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest - more than 29,000 ft.

To guarantee their place in history, the men had to slug it up a ladder more than 30ft high on the side of a purpose-built tower before sliding down three poles to the ground.

Crowds of supporters gathered to support them as they set about their climbing challenge on the tower built free of charge by Kwikform UK next to the Kirkgate Centre.

Each crew member had to maintain an average of 74 climbs an hour with six fire fighters climbing in a session while the other four rested in rooms laid on by the Bradford & Bingley in its offices opposite the centre.

Bradford Assistant Divisional Officer Brian Robson said he was confident they would pass the world record before today's midday deadline.

"This is the culmination of nine months of dedicated training for the lads," he said.

"They've taken the challenge very seriously, especially as the station used to hold the world record.

"This is premier league stuff. It's a very technical challenge. It's not just the physical climbing but also the psychological battle as well.

"The lads who did it in the past said it was like running three marathons. Most people are out of puff after they put a ladder on the side of their house and climb up it once. These lads will have done that 74 times in an hour!"

West Yorkshire's Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase praised the firefighters, whose efforts will raise money for The Yorkshire Hospital's Heartbeat Appeal and The Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

He said: "I think they will succeed as long as they have a lot of encouragement from the people of Bradford.

"They certainly won't be going straight back to work. I think they will have to take a well earned rest."