A TOTAL of £2,463.17 was raised for the tsunami appeal when retained firefighters from Bidford charged a voluntary toll to cross Bidford Bridge.

The fund-raising event took place on the Honeybourne Road on Saturday from 9.30am to 1.30pm and collectors were also at Budgens in Bidford.

Young leading firefighter, 16-year-old Ashley Wilkes, came up with the idea.

He is one of a team of 17 young people, aged from 11 to 17, and each year they organise a charity event.

Leading firefighter Mike Franklin said: "As well as euros, the collecting buckets had currency from Indonesia, Japan, Canada and the USA in them. One little girl of four presented firefighters with a carrier bag of coins collected over three years saying she wanted the children affected to be able to rebuild their houses."

He added: "Bidford fire station personnel would like to thank all those who donated on the day. The generosity of the public was outstanding, especially as many had probably already donated."