The distance achieved by members of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service during their 24-hour ladder climb this summer has been confirmed as an official world record.

Ten firefighters scaled a combined height of 114.17 kilometres (70.94 miles) in an amazing feat of endurance over the weekend of July 13-14.

That standard will now enter the record books after being ratified by officials from the Guinness World Records.

The Isle of Man team smashed the previous record, set by a group of New Zealand firefighters in 2005, by a massive 4.58km.

The successful attempt followed months of planning and training, and helped to raise more than £12,500 for five nominated charities - Pumps 4 Kids, Rebecca House Children’s Hospice, Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, Help for Heroes and the Hyperbaric Chamber.

Firefighter Gary Kirby, who organised the epic challenge, said: ‘It is great to receive the official certificate from the team at Guinness World Records. We won’t appear in this year’s Guinness Book of World Records, as that has already been published to be in the shops in time for Christmas, but hopefully we will be a new entry for next year. I’d like to once again thank my colleagues, our sponsors and supporters who assisted our record attempt and helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity.’

Chief Fire Officer Brian Draper added: ‘It was a magnificent achievement and I’m delighted their efforts have been officially recognised. Many teams had tried and failed to beat the previous record, but our firefighters surpassed it by a considerable distance. Hopefully the record will remain in the name of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service for many years to come.’