PENKETH Fire Station threw open its doors to visitors and schoolchildren who were invited to unveil a plaque and officially open the new centre.

After the ceremony children from St Vincent’s Primary School put on their firefighting helmets and had a go at using the crew’s hose reel jet.

Vintage fire engines and rescue equipment were also on display at the new station, with firefighters on hand to explain how it is used.

Penketh is the first station to have a sedum roof to help it blend in with the surrounding countryside, adding to the site’s green credentials.

On-call and whole-time firefighters will man the new centre and nine residents who passed their firefighting tests in July will also start work at the site and help attend emergencies in the community.

The station was officially opened by David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant for Cheshire.