HUNDREDS of people joined Southend firefighters after they opened their doors for their annual station open day.

Visitors were given fire prevention advice and a tour around the fire station in Sutton Road.

There were also vintage and state-of-the-art fire fighting equipment on display, chip pan fire demonstrations and the chance for people to test their driving and reaction skills.

The memorabilia stall, run by Thelma Cole, the daughter of former firefighter, Owen Cole, also proved popular.

Mr Cole died at the age of 103 after decades spent collecting fire- fighting souvenirs, including an old-fashioned helmet.

Martyn Hodder, station commander and organiser of this year’s event, said he was very happy with the way it turned out.

He said: “The weather was a bit touch and go early on, but it held out and we had a steady stream of visitors to the station all day.

“Not forgetting this is still a working fire station and there were a couple of calls during the day which only added to the excitement.

“It meant visitors could see the station in full action with the trucks racing out to a call.”