HOSE reels and sponges were at the ready when firefighters scrubbed cars squeaky clean on Saturday to raise cash for charity.

A total of 13 firefighters took part in the charity car wash for The Fire Fighters Charity - which helps rehabilitate serving and retired firefighters - and raked in £569 from more than 100 satisfied customers at Dee Road fire station in Tilehurst.

The firefighters were boosted by the presence of Blaze Bar - the charity’s official mascot - who encouraged passers-by to help the fundraising effort, which was part of a national car wash campaign raising £8,300 in total.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue charity co-ordinator Sarah Lewis said: “It was really good. It was quite challenging because the crews got a call-out in the middle of the day so we had to draft in senior officers to help us out.

“Those who attended thought it was great and the kids loved coming in and seeing the fire engines and having a look around the fire station. Everyone enjoyed it.”