Families received a hands-on experience of what it is like to be a firefighter during a packed open day at Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station on Saturday.

Activities at the Weston Way fire station ranged from members of the public handling the cutting equipment used to extract people from cars, to children taking part in a teddy bear parachute drop.

Activities were based around fire safety advice, but there was also plenty of fun to be had with a bouncy castle and face painting for the nippers.

Tammy Robinson, who is the Stevenage and North Herts district support officer for Herts Fire and Rescue, said: “Although we had sunshine and showers the open day was well attended with plenty to do and learn for all the family.

“The station was extremely pleased with how the day went and we hope that everyone who attended had a fun time and gained some useful safety advice.”