The Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is inviting people to its base near County Hall in Loansdean this week to improve understanding of its road rescues.

The event will offer participants the chance to try out state-of-the-art rescue equipment, act as an in-car casualty for demonstrations and take part in safety awareness presentations.

Morpeth Watch Manager Brian Batey said: "Not everyone is aware that the Fire and Rescue Service is regularly involved in responding to road traffic collision and they may not know about the prevention work that we do either.

"These two evening events are a great opportunity for local people to come along to Morpeth Fire Station and see for themselves the special skills that firefighters need when they attend road traffic incidents.

"It will be an interactive experience that is not to be missed, with the chance to be part of our training and have a go at using our equipment."

The sessions take place on Friday and Saturday, from 7.30pm to 9pm.

Families are advised that the safety awareness presentation contains some simulated graphic footage and is only suitable for people aged 15 and over.