PARENTS and children will be vying for the chance to take over hose reels at Darlington Fire and Rescue's open day later this month.

The bi-annual event is being held on Saturday, September 20, when, apart from the opportunity to squirt water, there will all kinds of stalls and demonstrations.

Red Watch organiser Brett Clayton said: "We will also be having a breathing apparatus gallery, a bit like a fire brigade ghost train and there will be vintage fire engines on show alongside the more contemporary vehicles.

"There will displays during the day and this year we hope to involve our colleagues in the ambulance service who occupy the back of the station.

"Our community fire safety department will also be out in full force, giving advice on prevention how and showing the dangers posed by chip pan fires."

Doors will open at 10.30am through to about 4pm and any money raised will go to the Great North Air Ambulance Service, at Teesside Airport and to the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund.