Firefighters are giving up their time to get busy with buckets and sponges tomorrow to raise funds for injured colleagues.

Crews from across Oxfordshire are taking part in a charity car wash day in return for donations to the national Fire Fighters' Charity — formerly the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund.

Motorists can visit any one of seven stations taking part, including Oxford, Bicester and Abingdon.

The event will also give the county's firefighters the chance to meet the public and promote fire safety awareness.

Pete Mackay, Fire Fighters' Charity co-ordinator for Oxfordshire County Council's fire and rescue service, said firefighters were passionate about the charity.

He said: "It's very important — it supports firefighters and their families through sickness and hardship."

Tomorrow’s countywide fundraising target is £5,000.

Nationally, the charity hopes to raise £300,000 from car washes at stations by the end of the year.

Mr Mackay, based at Kidlington fire station, said: "We are hoping as many people as possible will come along to meet their local firefighters and get their cars spruced up in the process.

"We have got quite good at washing cars and it's a great opportunity to help a really good cause."

The Fire Fighters' Charity provides support to more than 13,500 men, women and children from the firefighting community each year through the provision of sheltered accommodation, recuperative facilities, rehabilitation and therapy and financial support.

It costs more than £9m to keep the charity running every year and fundraisers depend on donations.

Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "Please come along to support the event."

Stations taking part include: Rewley Road, Oxford — 9am to 2pm Bicester — 9am to 2pm Banbury — 9am to 2pm Abingdon — 9am to 1pm Witney — 9am to 2pm Woodstock — 9am to 2pm Deddington — 9am to 2pm