FIREFIGHTERS from Bidford showed once again they were dab hands with hoses in the garden as well as using them to put out fires.

The retained station at Bidford retained the Dennis Lawrence Garden Competition trophy in the annual contest, which is held among the 19 fire stations in Warwickshire.

The competition is judged by Chief Fire Officer Brian Hibbert, his wife, Dilys and Dennis Lawrence's widow, Anne Lawrence. Dennis was a personnel officer for the fire service.

Firefighter Mike Franklin said: "Leading firefighter Brian Wilkes did the hanging baskets and all the lads helped with the garden. I know nothing about gardening; I just helped clear the weeds up.

"But we're pleased to have defended our title and we hope we can make it three in a row next year."

l The fire station is holding a memorial service at the station at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 11, to commemorate their American colleagues who lost their lives in the World Trade Centre attack. The Rev David Hall, of St Laurence's Church in Bidford, will lead the service. Anyone is welcome.