Castletown fire station opened its doors to the public on Saturday for its last open day.
The event will most likely be the last held at the station before its move to Ronaldsway, where a new combined fire and ambulance station will be built.
On the day, youngsters had the chance to have a go with the hoses used by the Fire and Rescue Service, sit in the fire engines and enjoy rides on the aerial ladder platform.
There was also face painting, a variety of different games, a barbecue and plenty of refreshments for attendees.
Station officer Juan Cregeen said over the course of the day around 500 to 600 people attended the event.
He said the event was a ‘community day’ and gave firefighters the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and also gave residents and firefighters the chance to say goodbye to the station.
Juan added that the staff are excited to move to the new station but are also sad to be leaving Castletown because there’s so much history at the base.
Proceeds from the day will go towards aid of the Firefighters’ Charity which aims to enhance the quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families. The total raised on the day is still being counted but it is believed to be in the region of around £500.
In June Tynwald unanimously approved funding of £1.458m to replace Port Erin and Castletown fire stations.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK secured backing to build a new combined fire and ambulance station on government-owned land opposite the Sefton Express at Ronaldsway, and to convert the Southlands ambulance station on the Port Erin-Port St Mary boundary into a fire station.
Mr Watterson described the fire station at Castletown as ‘decaying’ and having inadequate facilities – and none at all for female firefighters – which meant it was no longer fit for purpose.
The station was built in 1964 and work costing at least £80,000 would have been needed to repair the building.