FIREFIGHTERS proved themselves jacks of all trades to save decades of genteel sporting tradition from being lost.
The bowling greens have been a feature of South Park, in Darlington, since the 1890s.
But a recent spell of tropical temperatures dried them out.
Park staff pumped water on to the greens, but it was not enough, so, as a last resort, they called the fire brigade.
Green Watch responded to the SOS and firefighters flooded the area.
The watering was interrupted by a 999 call, but the crew returned to ensure the greens had been sufficiently watered
Staff at the park usually use standpipes around the greens, but the water mains are being replaced as part of the park's £3.9m restoration.
Darlington Borough Council said if the greens had not been watered they could have been ruined and would cost thousands to replace.
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