When it comes to winning, Egremont Fire Station has it in the bag.

In fact, it is literally in the bag - more than 14,000 kilograms of textiles which

has helped raise over £3,000 for firefighter charities.

The small town brigade has not only won the service's UK-wide Bag it and Bank it campaign for the fifth time, but has done so by a huge margin.

It collected 14,730 kg of textiles, raising £3,240. It's nearest English rivals, Oundle in Northamptonshire, raised £514 for 2,300 kg.

Egremont also beat the top Scottish and Welsh brigades.

The clothing and other textiles are sold on with proceeds going to the Fire Fighters Charity, which is the UK's leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families.

How did Egremont beat all comers as it has this year and in two previous years?

Crew manager David McDowell thanked the Whitehaven News for its contribution.

"You have always publicised the Bag It and Bank It competition and that has helped enormously. We are most grateful to our community - the members of the public who donate the clothing," he said.

This is a gift that keeps on giving. The winning fire station receives a large hamper to be enjoyed by fire fighters.

Egremont, however, chooses to donate these hampers to local charities who can enjoy them for their own use or raffle them as a fundraiser.

A charity will be chosen when the hamper arrives in the next couple of months.

Mr McDowell said while he was delighted with winning, the most important part was knowing what the local collection could achieve: "Every £1,000 raised will pay for a week's respite or physiotherapy. We enjoy the challenge and enjoy winning but it is how this money helps firefighters and their families that really counts.