FIREFIGHTERS had buckets and sponges at the ready, as they welcomed residents to a charity car wash which raised a “staggering” £2,560.

Bordon Fire Station crew members held the car wash last Saturday to raise “vital funds for our Aussie brothers and sisters as they struggle to battle the deadly bush fires” across Australia.

A post on the station’s Facebook page (@Bordon03) read: “We decided to do our bit on a gloomy January morning and to say it was a success would be an understatement.”

They reported people were waiting “up to 30 minutes in line to have a car wash and the queue was backed up on the main road”.

Crews worked “relentlessly” from 9.45am until 4.15pm cleaning cars, with the post adding: “I’m sure we will have a few achey bones today!”

The team added a “very big thank you” to the local community for taking the time to make their way to the fire station, as well as a “huge mention” to the Rapid Relief Team.