CROWDS of people turned out for Wyre Forest’s fist joint emergency services open day.

About 1,000 people attended the 999 event at Stourport-on-Severn fire station and the back yard of the adjacent police station.

Attractions included a display of fire, police and ambulance service vehicles and equipment.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service provided fire engine rides and smoke house demonstrations to promote fire safety in the home and West Mercia Constab-ulary provided a CCTV van and automatic number plate recognition vehicle, as well as issuing crime prevention advice along with Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership.

Wyre Forest fire station manager Dave Williams said: “The day was a tremendous success and the attendance was double that of previous open days held at the fire station. The fact the weather was fine and dry helped.”

Sergeant Tony Quinn, of West Mercia Constabulary, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to work with our colleagues from the other emergency services. It was a good family day out, and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.”

Attractions included modern day fire engines and equipment as well as two vintage fire vehicles which were taken along by Paul Stevens of Severn Valley Leafers, a club for leaf-sprung Land Rover enthusiasts.

Popular activities included police wanted posters and fingerprints, a bouncy castle, face painting, a tombola, giveaways, competitions and property marking by neighbourhood wardens. West Midlands Ambulance Service attended with a rapid response vehicle and ambulance while Hereford and Worcester Community First Responders showed examples of defibrillators.