CROWDS of residents flocked to the official opening of Weymouth’s new community fire station.

Olympic gold medal sailor Sarah Dempsey cut the ribbon at the open day as visitors took a look at new facilities that have been built for public use next to the operational side of the station in Radipole Lane.

Residents saw the educational fire safety areas where groups will learn about the devastating effects of fire and how to prevent them.

They also saw the meeting room facilities that will be available for hire and had a chance to look inside the fire engines and see firefighters in action during demonstrations.

Mrs Dempsey compared the facilities to those enjoyed by Olympic sailors on Portland.

She said: “It’s a real honour to be here to cut the ribbon and open our shiny new fire station.”

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer Darran Gunter said residents were consulted to find out what they wanted at the new station.

He said: “If we invest community and tax payers’ money then surely they should have use of the building and so we worked with the community and said: ‘What can we provide for you?’”

The combined Weymouth Fire Station and Community Safety Centre cost £8.5m and includes a new cafe that will be open to the public from Monday to Friday.

Charges for the rooms, gym, fitness studio and sprung floor dance studio at the station will differ depending on whether it is a community group, charity or private booking.

Steve Bevis, the development manager who oversaw the design of the station, said the areas designed for the public are ‘unique’ within the fire service with bosses from other areas already visiting.

He said: “The community element is the highlight that sets this station apart and I’m really lucky to have been involved.

“The interactive FireWise fire safety parts are groundbreaking.

“There’s nothing like that and I think this will be the benchmark for the next 10 years.

“It’s technically innovative.”