WORCESTER'S fire station has been transformed into a car wash today as firefighters put their hoses to good use for charity.

Firefighters from Blue Watch are washing cars until 4pm as part of a national event for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Nine on-duty firefighters are taking part in the event, along with several off-duty staff who even brought along their children to help out.

Car washes are taking place up and down the country this month to raise vital funds to support the work of the charity including the running of rehabilitation centres.

David Blinston, watch commander, said they had already cleaned about 30 cars in the first hour.

"Traditionally it's a good day," he said. "We usually raise several hundred pounds. People can give as much or as little as possible. It seems to have been very popular and a productive way of raising funds for our national charity.

"Many of the guys from the watch have benefited from the charity. We've got several rehabilitation centres across the country. This sort of event helps these premises."

Dave Smith, fundraiser for the central region, said the event was a good way of raising money.

"We will raise thousands of pounds across Herefordshire and Worcestershire" he said. "It's also a means for the firefighters in the community to engage with members of the public.

"The charity depends of fundraising throughout the year. We need to raise £9million a year so events like this helps to raise these sorts of funds."