THE tables were turned on Melksham fire station's watch manager Steve Pearce when he took an engine and firefighters along to what he thought was just a charity event at the Forester's Arms in the town.

Retired senior fire officer Alf Moreton surprised him by presenting him with a cheque for £770 for the Fire Fighters charity, which was donated by ARI Fleet UK, an American company with a branch in Chippenham.

The company support their employees' charitable endeavours with grants that any employee can apply for, and the cash came through Kev Farrar, guitarist with the band Legacy who were one of the performers at the fundraiser. Mr Farrer and Mr Moreton's daughter Julie both work for the firm.

Julie is a member of popular local band Train to Skaville, but joined Kev's band on stage during the fundraiser, which featured Legacy, Six Lives Left, Blue Rose, Django, Dirty Public, Mr Love & Justice, Sarah Deer and El Nino. She organised the music and her son Rob was the sound and stage tech for the day, making it a real family affair.

As well as the afternoon of music the Foresters Arms team, led by landlords Nick and Bev Dempsey, hosted a barbecue accompanied by a cider stall.

Mr Moreton said: "A highlight of the day for me was the attendance of a fire appliance and crew from Melksham station, which allowed children and others to ‘man the fire engine.’”

Thanks to advance donations on a Just Giving page and the proceeds of the day's fun, the total donation to the Fire Fighters charity reached £1,701.

The charity, based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, helps firefighters and those affected both psychologically and mentally by the effects of the job and fires.