Eastleigh firefighters held open house at the weekend in a bid to ensure they never have to pay return visits to their guests with sirens blaring.

Besides driving home safety messages, the open day at the town's Steele Close fire station was also designed to let the public see a vast array of specialist equipment and to raise charity cash for the National Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

Two-tone horns blasted off every few seconds as enthralled children were able to investigate fire appliances ranging from Land Rovers and water tenders to the fire and rescue service's special equipment unit and a giant firefighting appliance.

Youngsters were also able to imagine they were driving to an emergency call thanks to a fire engine simulator plus try their hands at knocking down targets with water jets.

Visitors were shown how best to tackle a chip pan fire, saw the aftermath of a bedroom blaze and could seek advice on installing smoke detectors.

Special visitors included Eastleigh mayor Maureen Sollitt and Hampshire's chief fire officer Malcolm Eastwood who viewed a recently-completed extension to the town's fire station.