HORDES of youngsters and their parents were attracted by the flashing lights at this year's Blue Light Day in Tidworth.

The event, held on the green beside Station Road is a chance for members of the public, especially children, to meet with up with members of the emergency services on an informal basis. As well as civilian police, ambulance and fire services the event attracts representatives from bomb disposal, MoD Police and Royal Military Police.

Community development worker Hilary Hollinsworth, of the Tidworth Development Trust, has been involved in the project since it started.

"We have had a steady flow of people at the event this year and I think Blue Light Day has now become part of the established social calendar in Tidworth," she said.

Tidworth beat officer, Bill Lomas, said: "The event provides a good opportunity for emergency services to meet and get to know the community they serve."

The emergency services brought with them a wide variety of machines ranging from fire tenders, ambulances and even bomb disposal 'wheelbarrows' - all of which proved popular with the youngsters.

But some of the most popular attractions had four legs and were on their best behaviour.

MoD police dog Blaze, a German Shepherd with a hint of collie, is more used to patrolling the boundaries of the Boscombe Down air base.

"The only thing he doesn't do is tracking," said his handler MoD police constable Robbie Riddick, who has had 10 different dogs during his long service with the MoD Police.

"He is lovely dog and very good with children so when he retires I hope to have him at home."

One of the highlights of the event was a demonstration of what happens in a road traffic accident where members of the three services work together to ensure public safety and the safe extrication of those involved in an accident.