RECYCLING banks at fire stations across Wiltshire have contributed to the Fire Fighters Charity raising more than £1m in the last four years.

The recycling scheme, which focuses on textiles - including unwanted clothing, shoes and household items - is managed for the charity by a consortium of textile recycling companies. Wearable items are sent to developing countries to help those who are experiencing extreme poverty, while other items are recycled into day-to-day products such as car insulation and furniture padding.

Since its inception, the recycling scheme has grown year on year and the charity now receives an annual income of £300,000 from members of the public recycling their unwanted items.

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service has the charity’s brightly coloured yellow clothing bins at 11 fires stations in the county including Salisbury, Amesbury, Ludgershall and Mere.

John Parry, chief executive of the Fire Fighters Charity, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has recycled with us over the last four years – they have helped us to reach this huge landmark for income from recycling.

"We do, however, need people to continue to support the scheme and help us keep firefighters fit, healthy and happy so they can continue saving lives. It costs £9m a year to keep the Fire Fighters Charity running and, with no Government funding, we rely completely on the donations and goodwill of our supporters.”

For further information about the Charity, visit firefighterscharity.org.uk.