VISITORS to an open evening got first-hand experience of being a village firefighter.

Maiden Newton Fire Station opened its doors to the public in a bid to attract two new recruits.

Residents tried out firefighting equipment and talked to staff from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service - including fire authority chairman David Fox.

Station commander Andy Elliott said: "The evening was very successful.

"It allowed us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the station and provided an opportunity for people to use some of the specialist tools and techniques used by a modern fire and rescue service. Visitors were encouraged to use hoses, wear breathing apparatus, save a life with a defibrillator and cut a car apart with hydraulic rescue equipment.

"A number of potential new recruits came forward to offer their services and it is hoped that the station will soon be back up to full strength as a result."

The station hosted a Victorian Tea in aid of Maiden Newton at War - a 1940s themed weekend to be held on June 20 and 21.

Above, firefighter Richard Smith helps potential new recruit Claire Dorrington to cut a car apart using hydraulic rescue equipment.