RAYLEIGH residents were keen to learn more about safety at a family open day at the fire station this weekend.

The event at Rayleigh Weir fire station in Rayleigh Road offered residents the chance to meet their area’s fire, police and ambulance teams to learn more about the work the services do.

A dramatic presentation of the risks involved in using a chip pan was shown at the open day and visitors were also shown the importance of smoke detectors in their homes.

A virtual reality experience was also on show to educate visitors on what it is like to be in a car accident.

Martyn Hare, station manager at Rayleigh Weir Fire Station, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity for our local community to meet our firefighters and gain an understanding of what we do, while allowing us to provide vital fire safety messages.

“The day was a huge success and we estimate around 2,000 people came along to the station. I would like to thank Essex Air Ambulance, Essex Police and various members of the local community for their support, as well as all of our firefighters who were involved in arranging the event.”

Children were able to sit inside the fire engines supervised by an officer and a barbecue with refreshments were also available throughout the day.