ACTION man Paul Norris is about to go where others fear to tread, ride or walk by taking on one of the worlds toughest physical challenges.

The super-fit firefighter has been shortlisted to represent the UK in the Fulda Challenge - one of the most extreme sports events in the world in which competitors take on events such as skiing, mountain biking, ice climbing, car pulling and 4x4 driving, all in the Arctic conditions of the Yukon Territory of Canada.

While others may be daunted by the prospect, Paul, aged 41, is relishing pitting his fitness and strength against the best in the world.

After spotting an article about the Fulda Challenge in the Bolton Evening News, Paul, who lives in Smithills and is based at Farnworth Fire Station, decided to take part.

He was given just nine days notice that he had chosen to compete in the selection event last weekend, but rose to the challenge.

He was one of the country's 10 fittest men hoping to be one of the first five destined to go to Italy in September for the final selection round.

And he was delighted to come third in the challenge during the weekend with commandos in Devon.

He said: "My aim was to finish in the top five so to finish third I was really chuffed."

The punishing selection process involved events such as a 20km road run, crossing a chasm by rope, the Royal Marine assault course, a wheel-changing challenge, a 23km quad bike race, and pulling a one-ton car over a 75-metre course.

Paul said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend."

"The other competitors were my inspiration. I pushed myself to my limit with their support and encouragement. The activities in Italy sound even more fun I cant wait."

Pauls achievement came as he was still recovering from competing in the famous Iron Man event in Lanzarote where he did a 2.4 mile sea swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and then a marathon, in 13 hours and 25 minutes.

Paul has always loved sport and became a firefighter after serving in the Royal Marines in the 1980s.

The married father-of-two played football, but when injury put paid to his involvement, he turned to other sports.

Paul, who is a member of the Total Fitness gym, trains most days, but is planning to up his punishing schedule in preparation for the next round of the Fulda Challenge.

"My wife, Michelle, thinks I'm mad," said Paul. "She is a sports widow!"