Firefighters arrive to play games

Many of the games test firefighters' strength

Firefighters from 36 countries are in Sheffield for the eighth World Firefighters Games which begin in the city on Saturday.

Around 2,500 competitors will parade through the streets to the Peace Gardens for the opening ceremony.

There are 61 sporting events in the games ranging from cycling and ice hockey to poker and dragon boat races.

But the highlight is said to be the "toughest firefighter alive" contest, a five day test of endurance and stamina.

Playing host

The games are being held at a variety of sporting venues in Sheffield until 4 September.

The fire services in South Yorkshire and Humberside are playing host to competitors and their families who are coming from as far away as Australia and South Korea.

Keith Marshall, the chief fire officer in Humberside, said: "The games philosophy is the mixing of competitive sport, friendship and fun with raising money for good causes.

"It's an occasion that can be shared by families, friends and the community."