THE work of a charity which looks after firefighters has been recognised by Barrow Flower Club.

The green-fingered organisation has been hard at work throughout the year and managed to raise £1,000 for the The Fire Fighters Charity.

The charity provides crucial support to firefighters going through a hard time.

The cheque was handed over at Barrow fire station, where the flower ladies were treated to a tour.

Julie Kett, the flower club’s chairperson, revealed there was a personal connection behind this year’s choice of charity as her son in-law Andrew Dixon had been off work for a year with an illness.

“The service in Barrow has been fantastically supportive - from visiting him in hospital in Manchester, to taking him and his wife to appointments, home visits and taking him out," she said.

"They’ve been a brilliant help and have offered a great deal of support throughout this period, particularly as he hasn’t been able to drive since he became ill."

Ms Kett explained that one of the fire service’s nationwide charity-run rehabilitation centres in Penrith had been a particularly valued source of support during her son-in-law’s illness.

“We’re extremely thankful to Barrow Flower Club for donating such a generous amount to our charity,” said Alan Knell, the Fire Fighters Charity’s community, corporate and events fundraiser.

“Their incredible contribution will go directly towards helping the fire and rescue community and their families to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives.”

Through a number of galas, coffee mornings, raffles and a springtime cream tea at St Paul’s School, the club managed to raise the four figure sum.

It is now preparing for an emerald gala event next Monday, celebrating the organisation’s 55th anniversary.

Florist Mark Entwhistle, from Sandbach, will put together a number of flower arrangements at Monday’s gala, which will then be sold off at a raffle.

The proceeds raised will go to next year’s chosen charity, which hasn't been confirmed.