TADLEY fire station celebrated 40 years of serving the community with a family fun day.

The station, which opened in 1974, opened its doors to give the public a rare glimpse into what life is like as part of the team of 12 firefighters based there.

Hundreds of people, from toddlers to pensioners, flocked to the open day, where they were able to have a look round four vehicles on display.

A pump, currently used by Tadley fire station, was on show alongside one from the mid-90s, which is no longer in use. Visitors were able to compare the two, to see what advances have been made over the past 20 years.

There was also a special equipment unit, loaned to Tadley station for the day by their colleagues in Basingstoke, which gave members of the public the chance to see the specialist devices used to control more challenging fires, and an aerial ladder, also on loan from Basingstoke.

Crew manager Gary Blackman said: “It was a really good day. It’s not often that we open to the public so it was nice to be able to give people the chance to have a look around, and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the station.

“It was very busy throughout the day and we had a good mix of people of all ages coming to meet the crew. People seemed to really like having a look at the different vehicles.”

There was plenty for everyone to enjoy during the afternoon, with a barbecue, ice-cream van and face-painting proving popular.

Mr Blackman said: “We would like to hold these days more often.”