THE parents of Violet-Grace Youens are encouraging children and families across St Helens to join them at a fundraising car wash next month at Eccleston Fire Station in memory of their little girl.

This is the second time the family has joined forces with the fire station's crews, who were the first on scene to help Violet-Grace after was tragically struck in a hit-and-run on Prescot Road in March last year.

Funds raised on Sunday, July 1 will be split between Violet-Grace's Gift – the charity set in in the four-year-old's memory – and The Firefighters Charity.

There will also be a fire truck at the station on Millfields for children to climb into and have a look at.

Violet's parents Glenn and Becky Youens, from Eccleston, said: "Last year was such a success and enjoyable day for everyone involved.

"It’s an event that’s brings the community together again with a chance for all Violet’s friends to help out and be part of what we are trying to achieve.

"I'm sure Violet would have loved to have been part of the day and play in the fire truck.

"It means so much to us that we can be with some of the men and women who treated Violet as the scene on the day and support their charity too.

"Thank you to everyone who who came last year. Hopefully this year will be a success too."

Last year's event raised £857 in Violet's memory, with a further £852 going to the Firefighters Charity.

The car wash will start at 10am and finish at 3pm.