COASTGUARD volunteers, ambulance workers, police colleagues and fire and rescue staff joined forces last Saturday (August 20) for a fun community event in Kilbirnie.

The sun was shining for the emergency services open day, organised by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), as visitors got a chance to check out a wide range of specialist vehicles, including fire appliances, police vehicles both old and new, ambulances including the Special Operations Response Team, Strathclyde 4x4 Response and the Scottish Emergency Rider Volunteer Service.

The free event, which was spread across the town’s ambulance station, fire station and Scouts hall, also featured a host of local groups and organisations providing information on their work.

A spokesperson for the SAS said: “It was fantastic to see such a great turn out from the community, who got the chance to go behind the scenes, explore our vehicles and meet some of our partners.”

Commenting on the “hugely successful” event, Patricia Gibson MP said: “I enjoyed seeing a 1970 Dennis Fire Engine at close quarters - the only one still in existence, chatting to Sharon Gibson of the SAS about her work and speaking to retired Sergeant Jim Manson and admiring a 1966 Hillman Imp, once used as a patrol car by Dunbartonshire Police.”

A spokesperson for the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Our thanks to our colleagues at the SAS for organising the event, we’re already looking forward to its return next year and massive thanks to everyone who spoke with the team throughout the day.”