ACTRESS Denise Welch tore a strip off a pair of local firefighters yesterday in aid of charity.

The former Coronation Street star lent a helping hand as fire service instructors Eddie Cooper and Jon Gray put themselves through a leg and chest wax to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The brave firemen, both 37-year-old instructors at the Barmston Mere Training Centre, in Washington, Wearside, managed to raise more than £200 by putting themselves through the agonising beauty treatment.

Mr Gray said: "I was apprehensive, but it wasn't too bad when I had my chest done - the most painful bit was when my stomach was done. Put it this way, I won't be doing it again."

After helping out with the wax, the County Durham-born television star cut the ribbon to open treatment rooms at The Beauty Centre, the newly-extended salon in Newlands Road, Belmont, Durham City.

Owner Hazel Webster said: "I wanted to find a fun way to celebrate the opening of the new treatment rooms and help raise money for Cancer Research UK at the same time."