MALMESBURY firefighters donated £1,700 to charity last week after a year of fundraising events.

Sub officer Wayne Jones said the total, split equally between Cancer Research and the fire service's National Benevolent Fund, was up on previous years.

"We were very pleased with the activity last year and the support given by the local community," said Mr Jones.

"We enjoy the charitable side of the work we do, which gives us an opportunity to give something back."

The money was raised from tabletop sales, a car wash and the station open day.

Money raised in 2004 will be given to NSPCC and the Benevolent Fund.

Those interested in becoming a retained firefighter can visit the fire station on the Gloucester Road Industrial Estate between 7pm and 9pm on Wednesdays.