FIREFIGHTERS in the West Midlands were earlier this week dealing with one of the biggest blazes in the region's history, when a recycling plant at Smethwick went up in flames.

Although there have not been any big fires on the Malvern Hills for some years, there have in the past been a number of large grassland fires which have taken the efforts of scores of firefighters, aided by volunteers, to extinguish.

Some of them have taken days to put out, with relays of fire crews taking turns in the fight, and civic-minded bystanders bringing them refreshments.

If you have recollections or, even better, pictures of these fires, why not share them with us by contacting rh@malverngazette.co.uk?