AN EAST Lancashire fireman has proved that he is more than tough enough when it comes to TV challenges.

James Barrow, based at Burnley fire station, braved temperatures of up to 40 degrees C to triumph in a BBC documentary designed to sort the men from the boys.

James joined 23 volunteers from hundreds of hopefuls as they were put through their paces for the BBC TV documentary SAS: Are you Tough Enough.

The BBC2 show pits contestants against some of the elite regiment's most gruelling selection tests, including 50k hikes, escape and evasion trials and interrogation.

The original group was whittled down to one winner at the end of the three-week intensive challenge, as those who failed to make the grade quit or were thrown off the course.

Now recovering after finishing first in his TV test at home in Rochester Drive, Burnley, James says it was an experience he will never forget.

James, 33, said: ""I am delighted to have come through this strenuous test. A lot of the tasks were extremely tough and being in the desert was a very hard environment.

"There was no prize at the end - just a handshake from Eddie Stone, the SAS trainer. I am very proud that I came out on top."

The father-of-two who is married to Nikki, 31, was chosen for the show, filmed last November, after a selection process in the Brecon Beacons.