AN emergency services open day is set to take place in Barrow next month following a hugely successful inaugural event last year.

Hundreds of people attended the first-ever emergency services open day last September as officers, firefighters, paramedics and volunteers gave an insight into their demanding and life-saving jobs.

In light of last year's success, the event will be held again this year, at Barrow police station on Sunday September 10 between 11am and 4pm.

Demonstrations from police dogs, fire crews and ambulance technicians will take place and youngsters will be able to get involved and try out some of the expensive equipment.

Last year's event, the first of its kind in Barrow, included plenty of demonstrations, with visitors able to try their hand at some of the expensive equipment and ask lots of questions.

Machines that cut through metal, riot police drills and sniffer dogs were just some of the highlights. Police dog handlers also demonstrated how their pups can sniff out the slightest trace of illegal drugs and tackle criminals.

Furness Coastguard, Bay Search and Rescue and the North West Blood Bikes Lancashire and Lakes will also be in attendance.

Children will have the opportunity to jump into various impressive vehicles such as the North West Ambulance Service's major incident response unit and the £50,000-plus hovercraft belonging to Ulverston Inshore Rescue.