Trowbridge fire station is holding an open day on Saturday, when visitors will gett he chance to meet firefighters and see a range of operational vehicles.

The day runs from 11am to 4pm, and is part of the fire station’s 50th anniversary fundraising year. Staff at the station have set themselves the challenge of raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity and five local good causes – SWIFT Medics, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Dorothy House Hospice, Hope Nature Centre and Stepping Stones pre-school, and more than £3,000 has already been achieved following a 24 hour cycling challenge in April.

Visitors to the station on Saturday will be able to see all of the appliances based at Trowbridge, plus others from elsewhere in Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, and there will be a number of drill demonstrations throughout the day.

Other attractions will include vintage fire engines, a road safety display, the Bobby Van, refreshments, tombolas, a recruitment stand for would-be retained firefighters and much more.

Trowbridge schoolgirl Tegan Lockley will be the guest of honour after winning a competition to design the open day’s promotional poster.

Eight-year-old Tegan, a pupil at Grove Primary School, has seen her artwork displayed throughout the town and, on Saturday, she will be asked to declare the event officially open, helped by town crier Trevor Heeks.

Station manager Kathy Collis said that the event promised to be a great day out for the whole family.

"Most people only meet the fire and rescue service when there’s a problem, so this is a fantastic opportunity to meet your local firefighters and find out more about what we do and the equipment and vehicles we use.

"There will be plenty to see and do, plus all money raised will support some brilliant charities."

Anyone visiting the open day by car should use the Lovemead car park, off nearby Duke Street, as there is no parking at the fire station.

To find out more about Trowbridge Fire Station’s fundraising year, visit www.trowbridge5for50.co.uk