HUNDREDS of residents turned out to Bury Community Station yesterday as it threw open its doors for an annual open day.

There was plenty of fun and entertainment on offer as families from across the town could catch a glimpse of fire engines old and new and get a taste of some of the work and challenges fire fighters face to keep them safe.

Over the course of the day firefighters gave thrilling live action demonstrations on incidents as crowds watched a number of mock building and car rescues.

Bury Community Fire Station manager Danny Marshall said the response from visitors had been excellent, adding: "We annually open the station up to the community to bring people in and its a great opportunity to put out our safety messages.

"The weather has been kind to us and we have had crowds of people here since 10am. The public have loved it."

For the braver visitors to the open day, soaring trips could be taken up in an engine's towering hydraulic platform, and a mini fire engine offered rides with sirens blaring and lights flashing.

Youngsters could also get behind the wheel of a racing simulator, meet Cracker the Fire Dog and pet animals brought from Pimhole Farm.

Bury Community Fires Station watch manager Steve Wilcox said: "As a station we like to have a massive community focus, so this is about trying to break barriers down so people see the fire service as approachable.

"However we were thrown a bit of a curveball this morning as crews had to attend a fire in Walshaw just as all the people were arriving."

Joining the fire service at the open day were representatives from the other emergency services and charities, including the Salvation Army and Safety Guide ­— who were supported by ambassadors and boxing champions Robin Reid and Stuart Maddox.

The day was also a way for the fire service to say a special thank you to the community for the support they received from members of the public as they tackled the recent moorland fires around Greater Manchester.

Watch manager Wilcox said: "Bury Fire Station is one of five designated wild fire stations in the GMC, and Bury's fire engine was the most used appliance in the brigade on the wild fire both a Bolton and Saddleworth, with crews up there for 17 hour shifts.

"Part of this day is about the massive support we had from the community and it's good to give something back."