FIREFIGHTERS have received a cash windfall for being careful with their vehicles.

Stations which avoid any careless damage to the appliances, cars and other vehicles get £250 each.

The money can be spent on buying equipment or extra fitness training gear.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Monks said the scheme was introduced in 1999 to cut down on unnecessary bumps and scrapes.

The scheme saved the fire service money.

"The total cost of these awards will be £7,250," he said.

"Four years ago the cost of avoidable damage was running at £19,000."

Local fire stations with £250 to spend are Elland, Holmfirth, Marsden, Meltham, Mirfield and Skelmanthorpe, along with the district fire safety office at Huddersfield fire station.