A FIREFIGHTER is hoping for his own taste of sporting glory when he takes part in the this year's World Firefighters' Games.

Steven Gregory, of Lane House Lane, Trawden, will jet off to Hong Kong tomorrow.

Hollywood movie star Jackie Chan will be ambassador for the 9th event, touted as the Olympic Games for Firefighters'.

The Blackpool-based firefighter will become part of Team GB' after taking part in the 2004 games held in Sheffield.

It will see him take on compet-itors from more than 50 countries in the mara-thon, staircase running and sailing events.

The 31-year-old, who shunned the Toughest Firefighter Alive contest in fear of being ribbed by his work pals, is hoping to excel in his hobbies.

He said: "They already think I'm a little bit crazy for doing it in the first place so I didn't fancy taking part in that event because I would have never lived it down."

Steven, who has represented Lancashire in marathon and sailing events, has been training for the past six months. And he's known to finish a 15-hour shift and then go on a gruelling 12-mile training run.

He added: "I want to do the best I can. I don't know if I'll come back with a medal because I don't know what the competition is going to be like.

"There will be firefighters from all over the world so I'm expecting there will be some tough competition.

"For me just to beat my personal best would be a great achievement. It's a huge honour to be taking part."

The games are from February 18 to 25 with an opening ceremony at the spectacular Games Village in Queensway, Hong Kong.

A Games spokesman said: "It is an excellent opportunity for firefighters to make new friends and experience different cultures.

"And there will also be a fire safety conference and exhibition prior to the Games."