A CELEBRATION of service and community engagement saw scores of people turn out to mark a momentous occasion.

Residents from West Cumbria gathered to witness the official opening of Bootle Fire Station, which took place earlier today.

A crowd gathered as Councillor Barry Doughty, county council cabinet member for fire and rescue, public safety and central support services, officially opened the new building.

The station received a blessing from retired vicar, Reverend Norman Price, before a ceremonious medal presentation took place.

Jim Onions, chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, presented firefighter Paul Mansergh with the long service and good conduct medal.

Having served the village of Bootle for 22 years, Mr Mansergh was praised for his unwavering commitment to the service and the community of Bootle itself.

Roger Exley, Bootle station manager, said to Mr Mansergh: "This is for all those times you've gone out at 3am or out on a windy night, it's for the support you've given us at Christmases and New Years and for all those times you have given to the community.

"Now the community have come here to say "thank you" to you."

Speaking about his medal, Mr Mansergh said: "I've really enjoyed it and the time has flown by.

"They're a really great bunch of lads here so it's been a pleasure really. 

"It's a real honour."

After the presentation, crowds gathered to watch a live demonstration where firefighters used the new facility to climb a tower and put out an imaginary fire with a hose and also showed the crowd how they would cut a person out of a car.

Located on the outskirts of Bootle, the new fire station has taken two years to build and cost a total of £1m.

However, the site now offers a range of facilities and opportunities for the firefighters and the community as a whole.

Mr Exley explained the significance of the building which has been in the pipeline for almost 25 years.

He said: "We have gone from what was essentially an old barn to a state-of-the-art facility.

"It provides our firefighters with accommodation, shower areas, a gym, wi-fi and a safe place to train.

"It's a significant improvement, especially in these times of austerity."

Mr Onions said: "It's really exciting to have such an investment in our local fire station.

"It provides crews with the right equipment and now they have a fully functioning facility."

The new building can also be used by members of the public and organisations who need a place to meet.

Cllr Doughty explained: "It's all about community.

"You can see the commitment of the community - from young people to the experienced firefighters - and that sense of community shows by the number of people here today.

"This is a working fire station but it's also a community hub for people in the community to use for whatever they want to use it for."