THE wreck of a car has been placed in front of a Bolton fire station to drive the message home that firefighters are not only trained to deal with fires.

Bolton North firefighters have put the car on the forecourt of the Crompton Way fire station to make motorists aware that firefighters have the skill and experience to help at road accidents.

Sub officer Ian Medcalf said: "It shows that it's not just fires which are important. We also deal with road traffic accidents." The firefighters hope the smashed car will re-enforce their message that they provide a vital service which requires a number of skills.

They say they have received a huge amount of public support and drivers are regularly hooting their car horns as they pass the station to show their support.

Although they are on strike, the firefighters have pledged to help out at incidents where people's lives are at risk.