London's fittest fireman is single (From Haringey Independent)

London's fittest fireman is single

8:20am Tuesday 7th October 2008 in News By Paul Cahalan

Some readers may need a hosing down after learning that this man - who is officially London’s fittest firefighter - is single.

Lee Phillips, 32, beat firemen from all over the capital at the hotly contested Fittest Firefighter competition.

The bachelor, who is part of the Green Watch team and Wandsworth Firestation, had to complete a tough assault course to win the event, which was held recently in Covent Garden.

The Battersea resident said he had been in training for months.

He said: “I was training and the boy’s at the station were giving me a ribbing, but thankfully it has stopped since I won.

“We had to row 500 metres during the event and climb up stairs with hosing equipment.”

Founded in 2001 by the London Fire Brigade Welfare Fund and the London Emergency Fire Planning Authority the annual event is billed as “a spectacular opportunity to see London’s finest up close”.

Lee said the award does hold prestige among colleagues in the service and that he would be returning next year to defend his title.

He is also hoping his triumph may give him a helping hand with the ladies.

“It is another string to the bow,” he said.