ILMINSTER firefighters and supporters rolled up their sleeves on Saturday (September 12, 2015) to take part in a National Car Wash scheme to raise vital funds for charity.

Motorists were invited to take their car along to the Tesco car park in Ilminster and have it washed in return for a donation to the Fire Fighters Charity – the UK’s largest leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired Fire Service personnel and their families.

Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Lee Howell, said: “Money raised through national fundraising initiatives provide a real boost to the Fire Fighters Charity.

“As well as being a fun and popular event for the charity, the National Car Wash also gives our firefighters the opportunity to share important safety messages with members of their local community.

“Your donations will go towards helping thousands of men, women and children from the fire and rescue community during their times of need.”

Chief executive of the Fire Fighters Charity, Dr Jill Tolfrey, added: “As a charity we rely entirely upon donations form the general public and the fire and rescue community.

“This event gave people a chance to go along and show their support for our firefighting heroes and then drive away in a clean car.”

The car washers in Ilminster saw a steady stream of people go along and have their vehicles hosed and scrubbed for charity.

The Ilminster firefighters would like to thank everyone for their support and donations which amounted to a fantastic £320.