ECO-FRIENDLY firefighters from Chatteris have won third place in a national competition by collecting more than a tonne of recycled clothing in just one month.

The competition, which was held in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity, was contested by 450 fire stations across the country - and Chatteris Fire Station took bronze.

Throughout January, fire crews encouraged their communities to donate clothing and textiles into yellow recycling banks at the stations.

Chatteris claimed third place by collecting 1.25 tonnes of recycled clothing, while Ely Fire Station finished an impressive sixth.

Graham Stagg, chief fire officer, said: “These successes at our Cambridgeshire fire stations are testament to the generous people in the local communities who have endlessly supported our stations and crews in their work and charity efforts.

“Recycling unwanted clothing at The Fire Fighters Charity’s textile banks is a great way to support injured firefighters.

“Over the last year, the scheme has raised over £250,000 for the charity, which has enabled hundreds of

firefighters take part in rehabilitation programmes.”

John Parry, chief executive of The Fire Fighters Charity, said: “There was a fun but competitive edge to our national recycling scheme and we were amazed by the efforts of the 450 fire stations that took part.

“In total we collected over 98 tonnes of clothing during January 2013, compared to just 80 tonnes in the same month last year.

“Thanks to the fantastic donations of unwanted clothing, including a few dodgy Christmas socks and jumpers no doubt, we raised over £22,000.”

Charity bosses visited Chatteris on Thursday to award the crews with a hamper, which they have decided to donate as a raffle prize at their upcoming car wash in aid of the charity.

Chatteris and Ely Fire Stations will hold the charity car washes on March 16, from 10am.