Fire crews in Portsmouth open their station doors to all

Cosham Fire Station held an open day for children and families to meet the crew and find out more about the work that firefighters carry out.

Organiser and crew manager, Stephen Alchin, said: '˜It is all about building relationships with people. Most of the children get really excited about seeing the fire engine so it is also an opportunity to use that enthusiasm to educate them about fire safety.'

The event included a number of stalls, chance to dress in uniform and see inside the fire engine, face painting and a bouncy castle. For many of the children the '˜dunk the fireman' competition was the highlight.

Another key aim of the event was to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity.

'˜The money is used to support retired fire fighters who may have been left with physical injuries or mental health problems as a result of their service,' explained station manager Steve Jenkins.

Craig Sutton and his daughter Macy and son Ralph were part of an expected 500 people who visited the station.

'˜It is definitely a good opportunity for the fire service to connect with the local community,' said Criag.

'˜I have really enjoyed today. Dunking the fire fighter was the best bit,' added daughter Macy, aged 5.   

Across the city, Southsea Fire Station were hosting an event to celebrate multiculturalism. 

Fire fighter and community liaison officer, Beth Medway, said '˜We see ourselves as a key part of the community and so wanted to be involved with this project.'

The event brought people together from a range of different cultural backgrounds and included African drummers, chat over chai, Chinese dancers and a selection of food from places such as the Caribbean and Middle East.

Organiser and council community coordinator officer, Freida M'Cormack, said: '˜Today is about promoting peace and acceptance. The more people get to know about each others culture and traditions then the less negative behaviours we will see.'