Youngsters enjoyed meeting Father Christmas and looking round a fire engine at Devizes Fire Station on Saturday morning.

The children, aged up to about eight, tucked into sausages and beans cooked by the fire fighters and then welcomed Father Christmas, who arrived on a fire engine.

They went into his grotto and were given a selection box as a present. Fireman Sam was also there and the youngsters were able to sit in a fire engine.

About 140 children went to two sittings and more than £600 was raised for The Fire Fighters’ Charity.

The event was started by former chief fire officer Neil Wright and Devizes station commander Pip Flowers said the event remains popular.

“The kids love it, they get excited to meet Santa and have a look around a fire engine

 

"We had one parent who came along who had come to it when she was a child. We’re not exactly sure how long it has been running, definitely 18 years, but it might have been longer. If anyone knows we would be interested to know,” said Mr Flowers.