GRAYS Fire station open day today (Sunday, 4 September) proved a massive success with hundreds of local people and children turning up to enjoy a wide range of attractions.

The station, at Hogg Lane, remained fully operational as all crews from its watches were available in case there was an emergency but they also also helped man stalls, food kiosks and even a bar as families flocked to the event.

Volunteer teams from East of England Ambulance Service and Essex Air Ambulance were also present to help with fundraising and awareness and the Essex Fire Museum, based at the station, was open and proved a popular attraction

There were demonstratons from the fire service dog section, its specialist road accident crews and teams drilled in how to cope with a kitchen fire.

Teddies were dropped by parachute, firefighters were dunked and there were performances from the Dance2drama school.