A CHURCH group visited Winchester Fire Station to learn about the vital services its firefighters provide.

Members of Redeemer Winchester met the crew at the Winnall station last month.

Station manager Jamie Cousins explained how the station is run with a full-time team and supported by trained on-call volunteers from the surrounding area.

The group was shown around the station, including the changing rooms, dorms, mess, and of course, the poles used to get to the vehicles as quickly as possible.

Mr Cousins said there was noticeable disappointment from the group when told going down the pole was not part of the tour.

Hampshire Chronicle: The crew showed off the equipment inside a fire engine.The crew showed off the equipment inside a fire engine. (Image: Jamie Cousins)

The crew showed the group the different vehicles they use depending on the situation.

Calls outs range from fires and road accidents to dangerous chemical spills and cats stuck up trees.

They demonstrated the latest technologies on the new fire engines which allow for greater speed and effectiveness when dealing with situations.

Finally, a community safety officer spoke with the group about the safe and well visits they offer, and how to improve safety at home, including regularly checking smoke alarms, and what to do - and more importantly, what not to do - in the case of a home fire.