LIPHOOK’s fire crew took part in the annual Christmas collection for the Fire Fighters charity at Sainsbury’s supermarket, raising more than £1,800.

It follows the Firemen’s Ball, a black tie event, held at Old Thorns Country Hotel in May, which raised nearly £2,000.

Liphook fire chief Craig Morgan told The Herald: “We are one of the busiest retained fire crews in the area and have been on numerous call outs over the year.

“However, due to new legislation throughout Hampshire in teaching prevention measures, we have seen less major fires or heathland fires in recent years.

“Safety overall has certainly improved and the fire service is able to offer help with smoke alarms, how to make your home safe and give general fire prevention advice.”

The Fire Fighters Charity exists to help every one of the UK’s 65,000 serving fire fighters as well as support staff – and is the leading provider of services enhancing the quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families.

Recent events, including the Grenfell Tower disaster in West London, have brought the dedication of men in the service, who have to deal with life and death situations, which can be dangerous, stressful and traumatic, to everybody’s attention.

It costs more than £9million a year to keep the charity running, which is completely reliant upon donations and fundraising.

Its three centres in Devon, Cumbria and West Sussex offer a range of support programmes including physical rehabilitation and recuperation to members of the fire and rescue community in times of need.

•For more information visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk