BUMPER crowds packed out Poole Park for the Emergency Services Family Fun Day on Saturday.

The annual free event was organised by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, who worked with a range of partners including Dorset Police, Dorset's Police & Crime Commissioner, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the SafeWise charity.

Visitors enjoyed displays from all three main emergency services and watched a host of exciting demonstrations.

The police dog demonstration proved particularly popular this year, but visitors also watched presentations on CPR awareness, a chip pan fire and real fire demo, animal rescue, line rescue and water rescue.

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said: "This event started as a fire fayre but has now grown to embrace all of the emergency services. As such, it is a fantastic way for local people to meet their 'blue light' responders in a safe and non-emergency setting, and for us to share vital safety advice.

"There was a number of other organisations taking part on the day, including several charities whose work supports the emergency services, and there were activities for children and refreshments available.

"By using Poole Park, we are in a location that is easily accessible for the thousands of visitors that we expect to see."

Visitor Robert Jones told the Daily Echo: "It has been great fun for me and the kids, and the weather has certainly played its part.

"Events like this, where you can get a lot of information about the emergency services, what they do, what you can do to help yourself, are important. I'd like to see more of them."

Meanwhile, another resident said: "Children, and adults, could be watching something today that may save their lives in the future. And we are having fun."

The show, which also included road traffic collision and electrical safety demonstrations, took place at Poole Park on Saturday.

Proceeds will go to the SafeWise organisation, which runs interactive safety education centres in Weymouth and Bournemouth.