A TEAM of Alton firefighters rolled up their sleeves and spent six hours in the baking sun at the end of June washing cars to raise a record breaking £1,084 for the Firefighters Charity.

From its roots supporting bereaved families of firefighters killed during the Blitz, to a modern day service that provides life-enhancing health and well-being support to the whole fire community, the Firefighters Charity has spent the last 75 years and continues to support everyday firefighting heroes.

An annual event, the car wash at Alton’s fire station in Butts Road, attracted a steady flow of vehicles of all shapes and sizes, with a team of around eight firefighters and their wives washing and polishing, using material and equipment donated by S&W Automotive, Alton; Dorset Auto Spares; and Sainsbury’s Alton.

In thanking all those who supported the event, in terms of sponsorship, and the kindness and generosity of those who brought their vehicles along to be washed, watch manager Ian Crawley said that having enjoyed a day without a call-out, a shout came just as they were arriving home, at 5pm.

Because it has been so tinder dry, Ian Crawley urged members of the public to be careful where they drop cigarette ends and light barbecues, and to take any rubbish home.