CHURCH Stretton and Clun may be two of the smallest fire stations in Clun but they made a massive contribution to a charity fundraising drive.

Shropshire fire crews have collected £40,484 in a series of charity events over the past year smashing their fundraising target four-fold.

More than £2,300 was raised at Church Stretton while Clun fire station contributed £1,150.

Their efforts have helped the Fire Fighters Charity support 34 local beneficiaries, said charity service co-ordinator Ashley Brown.

Across the county, a total of 19 car washes raised more than £3,000, textile banks at 17 fire stations amassed 28,430kgs of textile for recycling leading to a £6,254 profit while “shop in a box” merchandise, sold at county fetes, collected £1,000.

Individuals raised more with marathons, collections at county fetes and other charity events.

The Fire Fighters Charity gives respite, recuperation and rehabilitation to sick or injured firefighters, including those who are retired, and their families.

It needs more than £8 million to run national centres around the country. Set up in 1943 to help wounded firefighters and support their families during World War 2, it is entirely self-funding and relies on the goodwill and generosity of donations from members of the public.

Contributions were also made by fire fighters in Ludlow, Bishop's Castle, Craven Arms and Cleobury Mortimer