FARNHAM Fire Station hosted its annual open day – raising more than £500 for the Firefighters Charity, which helps injured firefighters and their families.

While children learnt life-saving skills with the ambulance crew, others got behind the wheel of a fire engine and learnt the importance of fire safety.

“It was a very good day and busy – there were more than 500 people,” said crew commander Jo Crow.

“Visitors were able to have a good look around. There was lots going on from kitchen fire displays and road traffic collision displays.

“There was an arson investigation team and a fire dog who was searching for hidden petrol swabs.

“Visitors also got to learn CPR techniques, which is great because they are learning valuable skills which everyone should have.

“It is a great opportunity to get across the importance of fire safety and to let people know that we are still here, even with all these cuts happening. We want people to come down and see exactly what we do and how we can help – and if they ever needed us we will be here.”

Alongside these activities there was a turntable ladder provided by the Guildford team and a rescue boat from Sunbury, as well as bouncy castles, an ice cream stall and memorabilia stalls.