FIREFIGHTERS say their annual open day at Redditch Fire Station on Saturday, August 3 was a great success, with an estimated 2,000 people attending.

Station Commander Phil Berry from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said despite the recent unsettled weather, they enjoyed a warm, sunny day.

“It was a fantastic day with plenty of visitors enjoying the demonstrations and taking part in a number of safety competitions,” he said. “We gave members of the public a chance to pick up safety advice on a range of issues, and provided an opportunity for the emergency services and volunteer agencies to come together, to promote safety awareness in a number of areas.”

The money raised on the day for The Fire Fighters Charity came to £497.

Station Commander Berry thanked all those who helped before and during the day in order to make it a success, including operational crews, volunteers, partner agencies, Karen Lumley MP, Councillor Philip Gretton and the Young Firefighters Association.

He added: “I would, however, like to put on record a special thank you to Green Watch, Bob Morris and Caroline Webster, whose hard work and enthusiasm over many months made it a very successful day,” he said.

MP Mrs Lumley said: “I had a great time and would like to take this opportunity to thank the firefighters of Redditch and Worcestershire for the enormous risks they take every day to save lives and protect us all.

“I was pleased to see so many local children enjoying themselves seeing the fire engines at close quarters and learning important lessons about fire safety on a fine summer’s day.“