Children are urged to bring their teddy bears along to a fire station open day later today – so they can be included in a parachute drop.

Hitchin Fire Station, on Newtons Way, is holding an open day from 2pm to 4pm – with the highlight being soft cuddly toys put into small parachutes, fired into the air, before landing safely.

A spokesman for the fire station said: “It’s a family-friendly fun community event. We’d love as many people as possible to come – mums, dads, kids and their teddies.

“Kids can dress up in uniforms, there’s a display involving rescuing someone from a tower, fire and safety advice, and free fire alarms. Call 01462 666 800 for more.”