THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Odiham Fire Show to watch firefighters put their skills to the test.

The show, said to be the biggest of its kind in the country, attracted more than 8,000 people to a field just off the A287 by North Warnborough last weekend.

Spectators saw enthusiasts and current firefighters roar around the main arena in a range of fire trucks with their sirens and blue lights blazing.

The firefighters put out a number of staged fires, including one at a bakery and one at a car garage. There were also smaller fire demonstrations, including a chip pan fire.

Visitors could also take a walk around the field and clamber on to more than 100 fire engines, some of which dated from the turn of the 20th century. There were also funfair rides, craft stalls and a beer tent.

Suzie Hitchcock, of Oakley Gardens, Bramley, went along with her four-year-old daughter Sofia. She said they came to the show at the invitation of the Wessex Fire and Rescue Service, a private firefighting firm that were guests at her daughter’s fourth birthday.

Mrs Hitchcock, 32, added: “I think there’s a good range of fire engines and there seems to be a lot for the kids to do.”

The show started in 1992 after the open days at Odiham fire station outgrew its venue.

Organiser Mick Paull, a retained firefighter at the village’s fire station, said: “It has gone well. We’ve been lucky with the weather and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves as well.

“This is about keeping history alive as the fire service is changing so much at the moment. The kids love it too – everybody wants to be a fireman when they’re a kid.”

Money raised from the show will be split between The Firefighters Charity and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.