Rotherham artist tries her hand at fire-fighting

Pollyanna Pickering, whose website describes her as “the most published artist in the UK,” bought the experience at an Age UK charity auction.

She and her daughter, Anna-Louise Pickering, undertook the difficult job at Aston Park fire station.

Pollyanna said: “It was absolutely fascinating to see behind the scenes at a working fire station.

“I was so impressed by the skill, bravery and dedication of the whole team.”

Pollyanna was at the Age UK auction as patron of Rotherham’s Gallery Town art project.

Station manager Paul Bragger said: “It was a pleasure to meet Pollyanna and Anna-Louise.

“Fire stations remain important parts of local communities, so it’s important to be able to give members of the public an insight into our work.”