The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are calling on residents to donate their unwanted textiles to help raise funds for retired fire service personnel.

Donations can be made at your local fire station with the collections being organised by The Fire Fighters Charity. The textile recycling scheme has been running since 2008 and now raises over £500,000 a year for the Charity.

The following Fire Stations have textile banks where donations can be made:

• Maidenhead Fire Station: Bridge Road, SL6 8PG

• Langley Fire Station: London Road, SL3 7HS

• Windsor Fire Station: Tinkers Lane, SL4 4LS

Adult and children’s clothing, socks, coats, underwear, paired shoes, handbags and linen can all be donated at the textile banks. Electrical items, plastic, toys or bric-a-brac cannot be accepted by the charity.

Items that are donated are then collected by the charities recycling partners with wearable clothing re-used, usually sold in under-developed countries. Un-wearable items are recycled and re-used in the production of many items. The income generated used to fund the physical, psychological and community support for those in the fire service who need support.