FIREFIGHTERS will have their hoses poised tomorrow when Swindon Fire Station hosts an open day to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Visitors will be able to see all of the appliances based at the Drove Road site, plus others from elsewhere in Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service.

There will be a number of displays during the day, including road traffic collision extrication and a cooker fire demonstration, and visitors will be able to ‘have a go’ with various pieces of equipment.

As one of the event’s beneficiaries, local volunteers with Guide Dogs for the Blind will have a display. Other attendees will include Wiltshire Police, South Western Ambulance Service and Cricklade Fire Cadets.

Crew manager Paul Howell, who is organising the open day, said: “This is a chance to come and see the appliances and equipment that firefighters use, and also support two really deserving charities, so we’re hoping for sunshine and a busy day.

"Admission is free but all donations and proceeds will be shared between our two good causes.”

Swindon Town Football Club has donated a number of prizes for a football shoot-out, where everyone who scores three goals from three goes will be entered into a draw.

Other attractions will include various stalls, face-painting, cakes, a barbecue, refreshments, a raffle and tombola, and a bouncy castle.

Parking will be available at Drove Road Primary School or Swindon Town FC but there will be no space at the fire station itself.

Even Swindon Primary School pupil Archie Carswell, who is ten, will officially open the event after winning a competition to design a promotional poster.