FIREFIGHTERS had their hoses poised and buckets at the ready — not to put out fires but to spend a day washing cars.

As part of a national fire service event, Yelverton Fire Station held a charity car wash to raise money for the fire service benevolent fund.

Yelverton fire crew armed themselves with soapy sponges at St Paul's Church car park.

Watch commander at Yelverton Fire Station Fred Glanville, said the day was a great success: 'Hundreds of people turned up to have their cars washed and we ended up turning people away because we worked non-stop from 10am to 4pm without even a break for food. I had to call an end to it because we were all so tired.'

The crew's sponging and scrubbing paid off as they raised £515 for the fund.

Mr Glanville expressed thanks to Joe Hess, of Roborough Estates, for the use of the car park and to everyone who had their cars washed for their generosity.

To find out about Yelverton Fire Station's news and events, visit the station blog at http://www.yelvertonfirestation.wordpress.com">www.yelvertonfirestation.wordpress.com