West Sussex firefighters' helmets to be turned into art

Artists in West Sussex are being invited to submit designs to be painted onto firefighter's helmets.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue are calling for "creative and unique ideas" to feature on helmets that have previously been worn by firefighters responding to incidents.

The 25 winning designs will be showcased in Worthing Town Hall, before being auctioned off to raise money for the Firefighters Charity.

Mark Andrews, Acting Chief Fire Officer, said:

“I am really pleased that we can reuse these fire helmets and give them a new lease of life, all for a brilliant charity that does so much to support fire and rescue service staff and their families.

“Two years ago, our colleagues at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service ran the Ashes to Art campaign and some phenomenal concepts were submitted – from fire-duck trucks to armadillo designs. I’m really looking forward to seeing the marvellous makeovers of our fire helmets.”

Louise Furneaux, Community Fundraiser at The Fire Fighters Charity, added:

“I’m delighted to see Ashes to Art return in 2024, once again combining treasured former fire helmets with unique designs by local artists.

“On behalf of everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity, I want to thank everyone involved in organising this fantastic event. We can’t wait to see the finished designs – all of which will be auctioned off in aid of us and in support of the vital work we do, helping members of our fire service community be at their best.”

You can submit designs until 2 February 2024 by emailing FRSMedia@westsussex.gov.uk.