Textile recycling banks have been placed at fire stations across the district in a bid to encourage people to go green for charity.

West Yorkshire Fire Service has joined forces with recycling company Tom Beaumont Ltd, and the Fire Fighters Charity, by placing the recycling banks at 15 fire stations and various supermarkets around West Yorkshire.

All money generated from the donated clothing, linen, handbags and shoes will go to the Fire Fighters Charity – the official charity which supports injured firefighters and their families.

Firefighters also hope to target keen recyclers by urging them to have a free home fire safety check, which involves the fitting of free smoke alarms.

The message, ‘Get your Free Home Fire Safety Check by phoning 0800 587 45 36’ has been placed on top of all the big yellow banks.

Station manager Dom Furbry, regional fundraising co-ordinator for West Yorkshire Fire Service, said: “We are delighted to support such a worthwhile cause by allowing the recycling banks to be placed in the car parks of our fire stations.

“We hope that by making the banks easily accessible, it will encourage members of the public to do their bit for the environment.

“Of course it allows us the opportunity to publicise vital fire safety messages to people who use them.”

The textile banks have been placed at Bradford, Shipley, Bingley, Keighley and Pudsey fire stations.

There is also a rag bank in the entrance of the fire service’s headquarters in Bradford Road, Birkenshaw.

Helen May, of Tom Beaumont Ltd, said: “Firefighters are noble individuals who risk their lives on a daily basis.

“By recycling your old clothing, it allows you to put something back into the community and do your bit for the environment, all while raising funds for a great cause.

“The best thing is that it encourages you to have a good sort out, which I’m sure for many of us is long overdue.”