HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised for a memorial in honour of two firefighters who died in a tragic blaze at Hurcott Paper Mill.

Staff at Wyre Forest Fire Station marked 50 years since the tragedy, which claimed the lives of watch manager Bob Crampin and firefighter Keith Marshall, with a ceremony on Friday, March 8.

The ceremony was led by service Chaplain Reverend Dick Johnson and took place at 5.50pm, the exact time of the fire 50 years ago.

The flag at Wyre Forest Fire Station was flown at half-mast and fire stations across the two counties were invited to hold a minute's silence.

Surviving members of Bob and Keith's families were also invited

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page was set up by firefighters Neil Bennett and Bob Sproat to raise money for a memorial stone at the site of the tragedy. It's already raised £790.

The service has already secured an FBU Red Plaque to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of Bob and Keith but needs £4000 to fund a suitable stone to put it on and to cover installation costs.

The fire service added: "A memorial close to the site of Hurcott paper mill would provide a focal point for relatives, friends, colleagues and members of the public to pay their respects and remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice."