Firefighters are celebrating after taking a textile competition title for the third year in a row - collecting over 10 tonne.

Egremont Fire Service smashed its own record to raise nearly £2,500 for the Fire Fighters Charity as over £45,000 was collected nationally.

The staff beat off the challenge of 694 stations across the country as they gathered 11 tonne of textiles and clothing, beating last year’s 7.7 tonnes.

“We’re really pleased,” said crew manager David McDowell. “The support from everyone has been brilliant. We had dedicated vans picking up textiles there was just that much.

“All the surrounding schools supported us really well and we will be going round with certificates. We have received a hamper which will be donated to the children’s ward at the West Cumberland Hospital.

“It’s not us, it’s all the community putting the bags there. At the start of the month I didn’t think we’d get five tonne then it exploded. I never thought we’d actually hit ten tonne, it was just a target.”

Runner-up in the competition was Oundle Fire Station in Northamptonshire while Bedford Fire Station took third place.

The Fire Fighters Charity is the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families. It has a centre, called Jubilee House, at Eamont Bridge near Penrith.

Egremont firefighters also raised money for the charity with a winter wonderland over the festive period. Crew members organised a fun day for children with a visit from Santa and an appearance from Welephant - the fire service mascot. It raised over £1,000.