Children make fire engines sparkle

Children from St Gabriel's school cleaning the fire engine as part of a sponsored engine wash

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Foundation and year one pupils at St Gabriel’s R.C Primary, Castleton participated in a sponsored fire engine wash today (Thursday 10 June 2010).

The children cleaned the fire engine with the assistance of Rochdale fire-fighters and their teachers.

Fire crew manager Steve Ashworth was also on hand to teach the youngsters about fire safety.

The children then met the infamous Welephant.

The idea for the fire engine wash came after a successful car wash held at Rochdale Fire station on Maclure road in March.

Fire-fighter Steve Webb developed the idea after a conversation with his son, Harry, about cleaning fire engines.

Mr Webb said: “It was brilliant. We were at the school from 9.30 until 11.30 and the children had fun. It was also a really good way of raising money for the school.

“This was a pilot scheme but we would like to roll it out across the borough and get other schools involved.”

All the sponsorship money will go straight to the school. Funds are expected to be collected next week.