WHEN they use a hose its usually to battle flames in a burning building or a wildfire sweeping across the countryside.

But firefighters from Southampton put their hose skills to use for a different cause today (Saturday).

Crews at Hightown station hosted their annual charity car wash this morning.

The group were hoping to see more than 300 cars queue up for the event

It was a bid to raise cash for the Firefighters Charity – which supports firefighters throughout the UK.

Organiser and red watch firefighters Rich Brown said he was motivated to get involved after the charity helped him get vital rehabilitation after surgery on his ankle

He said: “I wouldn’t still be a firefighter today if they hadn’t helped me. I just wanted to give something back.”

The aim is to beat last year’s total of £1400.

The car wash is open until 4pm today.