OKEHAMPTON'S firefighters were busy using their hoses last weekend — but to wash cars, not put out fires.

Firefighters from Okehampton Fire Station were at Mole Avon car park on Saturday to wash cars and raise funds for the Firefighter's Charity — the UK's leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families. The team raised £316 in just three hours.

Austin Kiely from Okehampton Fire Station said: 'The car wash was a lot more successful than it has been in previous years, so we are definitely looking to do it again. It was very busy all day, with no real quiet time. People were very supportive, as were Mole Avon for letting us use the space, ALS Motor Parts for supplying the buckets and sponges and Luxton's Butchers for putting on a barbecue, so we couldn't have asked for better.'

The team expressed thanks to Mole Avon, ALS Motor Parts and Luxton's Butchers for making the event a success.