It’s been many years since Ferndown fire station has held an open day, but that is to be addressed with an event on Saturday 20 August.

Doors open at the station on Ringwood Road at 11am and there will be a range of demonstrations and activities right through to 4pm.

Station commander Mike Parkes said: “It’s a great chance for us to promote all that we do as on-call firefighters, plus highlight some of the other things that Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service offer to our communities, such as Safe & Well visits. We’ve got a busy day planned, and we hope to welcome lots of people.”

A demonstration by the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne, a technical rescue demonstration by firefighters from Poole, and a dramatic display of what happens when a chip pan catches fire are planned throughout the day.

In addition, there will be a range of operational and vintage fire appliances to look at, activities for children, a stall in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity, and refreshments on sale.

Anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter can also have a chat with the crew to find out more about what is involved.