THE band played and the sun shone as hundreds of people of all ages turned out for an action-packed afternoon at Stroud Fire Station open day on Sunday.

Throughout the afternoon fire-fighters showcased their skills during a range of demonstrations that took place around the site, including a rope rescue and a mock road traffic accident rescue.

Activities such as soak the fire-fighter and spot the danger made for an entertaining, yet educational afternoon.

Jack Ogden, 12, from Quedgeley, described his experience in the smoke room, a tent that simulated the experience of being in a real fire. He said: "There was loads of smoke, you couldn't see anything, not even your hand in front of you."

Open day visitor Jo Allan, 35, from Stroud said: "It brings home what the service do when they are called out. I also learned how to plan an escape route, which is something I have never done before."

Station manager Andy Gillingham said: "The emphasis is on a fun day out, to give people a feeling of what we do as a service.

"I am really pleased that people took time to come down, it's the biggest year we've ever had."