A FAMILY event will give people the opportunity to meet member of the town’s police and fire services.

Local group Celebrating Communities has organised the event in partnership with Darlington Police and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to give families a chance to learn more about the emergency services in their area.

The event will take place at Gladstone Street police station on Sunday May 19 from 2pm to 4pm.

Children will have the opportunity of meeting with the Police Interceptor team and getting up close to a fire engine and look round a new ASB vehicle.

There will also be police vans for children to go inside and play with the sirens and look in the locked cage where people who step out of line are put when under arrest.

For adults, there will be police officers available for residents to meet and ask questions about local services.

Talks will be given given on Home safety, Community Cohesion and Hate Crime inside the Gladstone street offices.

Free refreshments will be provided including tea, coffee and sandwiches and entry is free.

Chairman of Celebrating Communities, Councillor Gerald Lee, said: "Do come down to a fun packed afternoon.

"Your little ones will enjoy it and adults with or without children will learn something that could save a life."

Celebrating Communities meet every third Wednesday in Darlington Fire Station at 7pm.

Their objective is to work with residents to reduce prejudice, suspicion and fear between people.

The next meeting is May 22 for those who wish to join.