People can get their hands on some of the latest firefighting gear when the crew at Malmesbury holds an open house session to celebrate the station’s half century.

The new aerial appliance from Swindon is just one of the attractions. There will also be vintage machines on show and an opportunity to talk to the crews who are called out at a moment’s notice to save lives and property.

Watch manager Chris Harvey said: “Over the years Malmesbury fire station has had crew members from many walks of life-giving cover for the town.

“It has been attending incidents ranging from medical emergencies, road traffic collisions through to the big gas explosion and a number of large house fires.”

The building at the bottom of Gloucester Road opened on July 9, 1969 and Martyn Snell, who went on to become mayor of the town, joined the crew on the first drill night.

Today's event, which runs between 10am and 3pm will offer visitors safety advice, tours of the station and information for anyone considering joining as an on-call firefighter.