MORE than 50 emergency vehicles will be on display at a special event in Bournemouth.

Organisers of the 999 Emergency Vehicle Day, scheduled for the Bournemouth Electric Sports and Family Club, Broadway Lane, on Bank Holiday Monday, say privately-owned preserved vehicles from the fire, police, ambulance and coastguard services will be specifically spaced to comply with socially-distanced regulations so that visitors can wander safely around the displays and chat to owners.

Club manager Mick Callaghan, who insists everyone will be working very hard to ensure an "excellent day out" for all the family, said: "The event is free but donations to the air ambulance service will be gratefully received."

Restored vehicles will include a 19th century Merryweather manual fire engine from Lymington, a wartime Bedford heavy-unit fire tender and fire appliances from the 1950s to the 1990s exhibited by Bournemouth-based Wessex Fire and Rescue Service who are helping to organise the event.

Wessex proprietor Keith Allgood said that he was delighted that he had had so much response from preservationists.

He said: "With so many rallies having to be cancelled this year because of the pandemic, owners are very keen to show off their classic emergency vehicles."

Alongside the 160-year-old manual will be the very latest fire-buggy used for fire cover at large outside events.

A huge collection of fire helmets – some more dating from the early 1900s – will be displayed by Simon Hilliam from Wimborne.

An event spokesman said: "To comply with the current rules, visitors are encouraged to pre-book on the eventbrite.co.uk website.

"Unfortunately, on-site parking will be limited to disabled badge holders but the organisers say that the use of public transport, walking or cycling to the event is actively encouraged."

Refreshments will be available and there will be live music from the Swing Unlimited Jazz Band.