THE public's support for the Fire Fighters Charity is an constant source of delight for the woman responsible for organising its fundraising at this year's Keswick to Barrow walk.

Civilian worker Nicola Jackson is volunteer co-ordinator for Cumbria Fire Service's Community Safety Team, working out of Barrow fire station.

This will be her sixth year taking part in the K2B and the third helping raise money - £2,000 to date - for the charity, during which time she has seen support rise.

"It's increased this year to four teams walking," said Barrovian Nicola. "Most of those people are not involved in the fire service but are members of the public who have chosen to walk for this cause.

"I'm very pleased. Obviously the number of fires are down but there have still been a couple of major fires which stick in people's minds."

As for most people taking part at the weekend, Nicola's first thought will be to look upwards to assess the forecast.

"It's very challenging because obviously the weather conditions dictate what kind of walk it will be. We've walked in hail, wind, and it was hot last year.

"You don't know what you will get until you get to the start line. I'm a fair weather walker so I pray for good weather."

She added: "For me [the appeal of the walk] is the people who you walk with. You get to meet up with people walking for other causes. When you have been on your feet for 10 hours, you encourage each other to get to the end; that's the best bit for me. Also, the volunteers - it's so expertly organised and facilitated on the day."

But this won't be her final walk. There's an extra incentive to take part in 2018.

"I've got to do it again next year because you get a tankard for seven years. I can't stop at six," she said.