HUNDREDS of residents turned out to a sun soaked Bolton Central Community Station yesterday as it threw open its doors for an annual open day.

There was plenty of fun and entertainment on offer as young and old from across the town could catch a glimpse of fire engines old and new ­— including the newest appliance which has only just come into service.

Families could also get a taste of some of the work and challenges fire fighters face to keep them safe, with demonstrations and an interactive simulator highlighting dangers on the road.

For the braver souls soaring trips could be taken up in an engine's towering hydraulic platform, and a mini fire engine offered trips around the yard, with sirens blaring and lights flashing.

And youngsters could get behind the controls of a digger and attempt to scoop precariously balance balls from cones as well as enjoy a real fire fighter experience.

Bolton Central Community Fire Station manager Andy Hardman said: "We open up our doors and hold an open day every year to show people what we do.

"It's good to interact with the public and it promotes our fire safety message.

"But this year it is also a special thank you for the help we received during the moorland fires.

"People showed us massive support and the station was filled with donations. And it was the same all over.

"Because the weather has been so nice the open day has been packed again.

"Thanks to all the public who came through our doors.

"It was really good to see so many families attend and engage with the fire service and its partners. I would like to thank the Blood bikes, Bolton Mountain Rescue, North West Ambulance Service, Greater Manchester Police, North West Air Ambulance and the Royal Engineers. All these we work with on a regular basis and it is great to get together in a more relaxed setting.
"Thanks to all those who were involved in the organisation, setting up, running and then more importantly, returning the station back to a fully operational fire station."
The fire service was joined at the open day by representatives from the other emergency services and charities, including the police, ambulance service, mountain rescue, army and Blood Bikes Manchester.

Among those supporting the day was youth champion Saeed Atcha, who had been working with Tower FM.

He said: "It has been a brilliant day and it's good that the fire service are saying thank you in this way.

"Today is a good event and a great way to give people an insight into the critical work that the fire service do."