FIREFIGHTERS braved the bluster on Sunday to take part in a charity car wash in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

Despite the adverse conditions, firefighters pulled up their sleeves and washedsoaped and scrubbed at cars visiting the fire station in Cricklade to raise money for the cause.

Cars visiting the Bath Road fire station welcomed the opportunity to have their vehicles wiped clean of the winter mud after the event was organised by local firefighters.

They were on hand to do the dirty work from 9am to 1pm to raise money for the charity, which supports serving and retired personnel.

Visitors could also make the most of the advice the crew could give on keeping their homes safe from fire.

They also provided information to people about becoming an on-call firefighter and how they could join up if they were interested.

The Fire Fighters Charity provides help to serving and retired personnel, their widows/widowers and young dependants through the provision of sheltered accommodation, recuperative facilities, rehabilitation and therapy, as well as giving financial support to those who need it.

The charity works with some 11,000 beneficiaries every year at a cost of £9 million per annum. These services are financed almost exclusively by fundraising.