THOUSANDS of people descended on Andover Fire Station last weekend to enjoy a family fun day.

Visitors were treated to a number of high-action displays throughout the openday event, which took place at the London Street station on Saturday.

As well as demonstrating how to safely put out chip pan blazes, firefighters also performed rope rescues, in which they climbed down the station’s practice tower to save a dangling victim.

Crews also showed their CPR skills on the day, as well as how to safely extricate a car crash victim from a vehicle.

Children were also encouraged to get involved in the family-friendly event, which included face-painting and a bouncy castle.

Firefighters also put on a child-friendly water-hose game involving a playhouse.

The event raised more than £1,300 for the Firefighters Charity.

Kevin Francis, watch commander at Andover Fire Station, said: “I’m absolutely chuffed with the turnout. 

“The station was full all day with people. Probably thousands throughout the day.

“A lot of people have already asked us if we are doing it again next year and hopefully we will.”

Asked the importance of holding these kind of events, the firefighter of 27 years added: “It’s always great to get involved with members of the public and the community.

“I think it also gives people an insight into some of the other work we do beside fires.”