This year's Fire, Ambulance and Police station open days were a great success, with thousands coming along to find out more about Borehamwood's emergency services.

Around 3,000 people visited Borehamwood Police station in Elstree Way, and enjoyed a range of fun and informative activities. Insp Dave Rankin, from the community safety team, said the day helped to build relations between the police and public.

"Hopefully the people who come can see that the police are there for them and their safety, and are approachable."

Several events were aimed at children and young people, such as the chance to have a photograph taken and printed on a wanted poster or have fingerprints taken, and Insp Rankin hoped these activities would help improve the image of the police for children.

Attractions at the police open day included a mobile major incident control room, displays and demonstrations about crime prevention, hate crimes, domestic violence and vandalism.

PC Andy Chittenden, the traffic management officer for Hertsmere, said the road safety team had been busy, and that hopefully people would have left the day with a better idea of how to be safe on the roads.

The open day held at Borehamwood's Ambulance and Fire Stations was also a great success, attracting around 1,700 people.

People were queuing to get in from 1pm, and the most popular attractions were the Beat the Goalie football game, the tombola and a stall selling fire helmets for children and water blasters.

RAFT, a charity which helps burns victims to obtain plastic surgery, ran a popular badge-making stall, and each of the four watches put on firefighting displays. An estimated £500 was raised on the day for the National Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

July 2, 2002 13:00