RIOT police drills and sniffer dogs were just some of the highlights at an emergency services open day in Barrow.

Scores of families attended Barrow police station in Andrew's Way on Sunday to mark one year since the state-of-the-art facility opened as the HQ put on a tour of all things 999 and all things rescue.

Furness Coastguard, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Bay Search and Rescue were just some of the many groups to tell members of the public all about the work they do and how they do it during the open day.

PCSO Carys Brockbank was one of the organisers of the successful day.

She said: "It began from an email and the idea of 'picnic at the nick' and it snowballed from there."

Equipment demonstrations such as firefighters cutting off the roof of a car, mock riot police call-outs and talks on personal safety entertained the crowd throughout the afternoon.

Steve Kosak, a rider with the North West Blood Bikes Lancashire and Lakes, said it was a great chance for the public to know more about what they do.

He said: "It's been really busy. A lot of people have asked what we do because not a lot of people know what blood bikes are.

"We work for the NHS out of hours to deliver blood, blood samples, medications, patient records and even breast milk. We can go between hospitals and blood banks.

"I think in the last 12 months it's been estimated we have saved the NHS £1m. We rely on donations."

RELATED ARTICLE: Police hand out free locks and safety advice to prevent burglaries in Barrow

One of the most popular displays featured police dog handlers who showed the large waiting crowds how their pups can sniff out the slightest trace of illegal drugs and tackle criminals.

Police Superintendent Rob O’Connor, who plans to hold another event next year, was keen to thank the businesses in Andrews Way who allowed the use of their land.

Supt O'Connor added: "I am really grateful for the voluntary organisation that also took part; Ulverston Inshore Rescue, HM Coastguard, Bay Search and Rescue, Mountain Rescue and the Blood Bikes all put on fantastic displays to showcase their equipment, and more importantly how they are an integral part in any emergency response.

"Some in the crowd may have been disappointed when PC Myerscough’s dog Bronn failed to chew through the protective arm covering I was wearing when I ran for it as part of the dog show, but I am pleased I survived the experience."

Children were welcome to jump into various impressive vehicles such as the North West Ambulance Service's major incident response unit, which houses things like tents and devices to check for hazardous chemicals, and the £50,000 plus hovercraft belonging to Ulverston Inshore Rescue .

Paul Wojcki, sub-officer with the charity, was impressed with the turnout and how much people wanted to learn.

He said: "It's been absolutely brilliant. It's really good to see so many people and we couldn't have had better weather."