Firefighters from Exmouth raised more than �10,000 when they held a weekend of family fun in aid of Macmillan Cancer support and the Firefighters’ Charity.

Firefighters from Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton raised more than �10,000 when they held a weekend of family fun in aid of Macmillan Cancer support and the Firefighters’ Charity.

Scores of visitors flocked to the Liverton Business Park fire station on Saturday where a host of fun and entertainment had been arranged.

The following day, Exmouth seafront came to a standstill when the firefighters pulled a 14-tonne fire engine the four-mile stretch from the docks to Orcombe Point, and back.

John Fisher, chairman of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton’s Macmillan Cancer Support group, said: “On Saturday, hundreds of families enjoyed being able to look over a display of vintage and modern fire engines, watch up-to-date firefighting techniques and learn how the fire service deals with hazards, from domestic chip pan fires to rescuing people trapped in road traffic collisions.

“For many, the highlight was seeing a rather large bear rescued from a two-storey building using the Vema fire engine with its extending ladders and platform.

“There were many and various stalls and games, a very successful charity caf�, run by the partners and friends of the firefighters, as well as a continuous barbecue.”

The local Macmillan group had a ‘very busy’ time, explaining the many services provided by the charity, and signing up new supporters.

During the day, the crowds were entertained by the pipes and drums of the Firefighters Marching Band.

Exmouth’s Mayor, Sandy Sutton, and Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Neil Gibbons, were among the crowds.

At the end of the first day, the firefighters moved to Exmouth’s Strand where they continued with their 24-hour cross-trainer challenge while wearing breathing apparatus.

Later in the evening, the challenge moved to Sandy Bay, where many holidaymakers donated money.

The following day, the fire engine pull challenge set off from Exmouth docks, with firefighters and supporters shaking buckets and collecting cash from onlookers.

Mr Fisher added: “We are all very grateful to the many people along the route who gave so generously.

“Thanks to you all for making the whole weekend such a resounding success. A great many of the Exmouth businesses also collected for us, donated prizes for the auction and raffle, and Nationwide Building Society presented a cheque for �600.

“The monies raised will allow both the Firefighters’ Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support to continue with their valuable work.”