Hythe'S fire station is already renowned for being neat and tidy - it was rated "immaculate" at a recent inspection.

But its firefighters are leaving nothing to chance as they polish up their fire engine and their station in readiness for their big open day on Saturday, July 10.

They have already redecorated part of the station and are determined it will be at its best when it goes on show to the public.

The event is set to feature a range of fire appliances including an aerial ladder platform, special equipment, a mobile workshop which is called out when appliances break down and the Hythe Fire Engine Preservation Society's 1965 Bedford and 1968 Dennis machines.

A 1979 Bedford which was based at Hythe until the mid-1990s but is now privately-owned will also be returning to the station.

Demonstrations will include one by a 'boil over' unit which shows the dangers of attacking a burning chip pan with water, and there will be community safety displays.

The event will be the first since the station's recently-appointed sub-officer Phil Gittings took charge and he said: "Were proud to show off the station and I'm extremely proud to be in charge of the good team we've got here."

Hythe kept its fire station after the local community had joined in to fight a threat of closure six years ago and Mr Gittings, who works as a fabricator welder at the nearby US Army base, said: "The station is part of the community and the community showed they want us."

In addition to fighting fires, the crew supports local school fetes and children's organisations and other events by putting their fire safety message.

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