Fire-fighters make a splash in Heywood

Watch Manager, Barry Malone, with Betsy the sheepdog

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Vehicles of all shapes and sizes received a good clean when fire-fighters and volunteers at Heywood Fire Station held their annual car wash event in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Members of the public turned up in their scores as hoses, buckets of water and sponges were put to good use cleaning dirty cars and - in one instance an Old English Sheepdog.

Watch Manager, Barry Malone, said: "The weather was very good to us and, despite the difficult economic climate, so was the local community, helping us raise more than £1,100 for The Fire Fighters Charity, who do a tremendous amount of work to enhance the quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.

"The event, where for a donation, people can get their vehicles cleaned by fire crews and volunteers using hoses and sponges attracted a whole variety of vehicles, including an ice cream van and a lorry. We even got a contribution for washing the face of Betsy, an Old English Sheep Dog."

But the day wasn't simply about raising funds - the crews and volunteers also managed to organise 18 Home Fire Safety Checks for members of the public, where fire-fighters visit homes to identify fire risks, highlight escape routes and may include the fitting of smoke alarms.

Mr Malone added: "We even made good contact with the owner of a horse and cart, who is a local farmer, and he will be letting us do some future large animal rescue training on his farm.

"The event was also assisted by volunteers from our Community Action Team, family and friends of fire-fighters, and students studying emergency public services at Hopwood Hall College. I would like to say a big public thank you to them all."

The annual car wash is part of The Fire Fighters Charity National Car Wash event.