LIFESAVING demonstrations, a mock smoke-filled room and car rescue demonstration were all part of the latest Bicester Fire Station open day.

More than 1,000 people headed along to the station's bi-annual open day event on Saturday, July 7, to give a 'behind the scenes' look at the town's firefighters.

People were able to try out the equipment, watch live mock rescues and join fun and games put on by the crew to show exactly what their job entails.

During the day, crews got to work to mock up a car crash and demonstrate a rescue where the car roof had to be removed.

Elsewhere cadets carried out a mock rescue of a live casualty from the tower, as well as the use of firefighting equipment both on the ground and in the tower.

Visitors could also get involved themselves by getting kitted up in the firefighting gear and delving in to a smoke-filled room to see exactly what it is like in a burning building.

A particularly popular display on the day was the restored town fire engine from the 1750s brought along by Bicester Local History Society.

The historic piece of equipment, which is in full working order, was put through its paces as man power got it working and pitted it against the modern day equivalent.

Thames Valley Police and police cadets were also on hand carrying out a bike marking session and South Central Ambulance Service officers were demonstrating its lifesaving equipment.

In total, the event raised more than £800 for The Fire Fighters Charity supporting sick and injured firefighters and families.

The event hoped to give people an insight into the workings of their local fire station which is manned 24 hours a day solely by on-call firefighters who either respond from home, work or both.

The crew is made up of a team of 25 and training is on Tuesday nights between 7pm and 9pm.

There is also a fire cadet unit run at the station on a Monday, in term time, with 16 cadets from age 12 to 18.