Firefighters 'set new record' with charity grotto

A Christmas grotto event has raised more than £9,000 for charity and set a new fundraising record, Surrey Fire & Rescue has said.

Salfords Fire Station and joint fire control brought in the sum, including £2,000 of matched funding from Barclays, to support the Fire Fighters Charity.

The total tops the previous national single event benchmark for fire and rescue fundraising of about £3,100, the service said.

Fire Fighters Charity regional fundraiser Louise Furneaux said the funds make "such a difference in supporting our work; providing life-long care and support to our whole fire services community, during and after service".

Across the day, families met Santa in his grotto, met the Grinch, and enjoyed stalls and activities.

Jon Simpson, assistant chief fire officer said colleagues at Salfords and the control room put "so much effort" into the event.

He added: "Our crews love welcoming people into the station, and seeing the community rally behind Fire Fighters Charity makes it even more special."

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