A FIRE Engine parked on Weymouth Esplanade is proving to be a hit with excited youngsters.

Families out enjoying the Olympic sailing events can hop on board and get an important lesson about fire safety.

Youngsters put on Dorset Fire and Rescue fire safety helmets before getting into the rescue vehicle.

It comes as part of an initiative to raise awareness of the importance of working smoke alarms and fire safety.

Firefighter Martin Withers said: “We put the fire engine there to allow people to see what it is like inside before inviting them to watch a video about fire safety.

“With all the people leaving the Live site it is a great way to get people to take fire safety seriously – it has been really successful.”

Sara Grummitt, of Dorchester , said: “We came down for the day to soak up the atmosphere. We got the park and ride and it is free which was great.”