YOUNGSTERS will be rubbing shoulders with VIPs when they visit Weymouth’s fire station.

The Chickerell Primary pupils will be joined by dignitaries including the police chief and the High Sheriff of Dorset for their tour of the complex on a special civic day.

The special guests will be able to see what children have experienced in the FireWise and HealthWise educational suites on trips to the community fire station and safety centre.

There will also be a demonstration of firefighting skills from officers and the impact domestic sprinklers can have, with a before and after fire scenario.

Guests will be given a copy of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s Saving Lives, Changing Lives....With You brochure.

It outlines the programmes that can be delivered to children, young people, more vulnerable people, adults and partners.

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter, who will be hosting the event, said: “I am delighted to be able to invite these community leaders to Wey-mouth Community Safety Centre and Fire Station.

“It is vitally important that we educate our communities about the dangers of fire and different lifestyle choices.

“This starts with those key individuals who influence communities and can help us make our most vulnerable communities safer.

“We are a trusted organisation and are therefore able to work with the most vulnerable to make their lives safe and more fulfilling.

“We don’t just save lives –we change lives.”

He added: “The launch of our Saving Lives, Changing Lives....With You brochure is a significant step for DFRS.

“This allows national and local agencies to commission our services in order to target their most at risk and work with us to make them safer.

More than 1,500 children visited the station’s FireWise and HealthWise educational suites.

Chairman of Dorset Fire Authority Rebecca Knox said: “I am always proud to be able to show the services and abilities of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service that impact on our communities.

“The day is all about broadening their knowledge about Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and what we can do for them.

“I am particularly passionate about the sprinkler project and encouraging all businesses and homes to consider the use of sprinklers.

“If we can spread this message across the county we can make all our residents safer.”