Spotlight on mental health

The torch had been on a five-month tour of the north in a bid to raise awareness of mental health issues among the emergency services.

Organised by resort paramedics Dan Farnworth and Rich Morton, the tour was first launched in April and culminated in final 20 mile walk to Blackpool via Pilling.

The specially-designed torch has travelled in an array of vintage emergency vehicles and carried by volunteers across the North, from Chester to the north east, to raise awareness of the issue. After arriving in town, a charity ball was held inside Blackpool Viva, with the Cheeky Girls, Rachel McFarlane, and magic act DNA.

Preston fireman Mark Woodward said; “It is vital we talk about mental health.”