CHILDREN took their chance to wield real fire hoses, sit in a fire engine and take part in competitions at Upton Fire Station's open day on Saturday.

Lessons in fire safety for both children and adults included a dramatic example of a chip pan fire and how to tackle it.

There were opportunities to see the all-terrain vehicles used by firefighters and watch demonstrations of the use of breathing apparatus.

"It was very good. We had more people here than we expected on a wet day," said firefighter Tom Leeke.

"We had queues all day for the chance to shoot down plastic bottles with jets from the hoses. The children loved that."

Tea and biscuits were served and there was a raffle, raising £45 for the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund.