An arson attack will not deter Egremont firefighters as they aim to become champion recyclers for the seventh year in a row.

In July this year two recycling bins full of clothing at the Egremont Fire Station were set alight in what watch manager David McDowell said felt very much like a personal attack.

Egremont fire station has won the Firefighters’ Charity national award for textile recycling for six years in a row. And they are still determined to do so again.

In January this alone, it recycled more than 10 tonnes of clothing and raised £2,362 for the charity which helps firefighters and their families when there has been injury or death in the line of duty.

McDowell said the two bins had to be replaced which had cost thousands of pounds.

"Added to that, because of Covid-19 all recycling bins were closed for a time and we have lost other fundraising opportunities such as our annual Santa’s Grotto which will not be held this year," he said.

“It is one thing to raise money for your charity but not at the risk of other people’s health and safety."

He said the people of Egremont have been huge supporters of the textile scheme in the past and so many have told him how outraged they were by the fire.

The competition runs through January but bins are open 24/7. Al textiles, including shoes and bags, but not duvets, are welcome.