IT is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Test Valley - carrying out a vital role in protecting the lives of thousands of people.

Now families have the chance to explore the life of Romsey Fire Station at a special event celebrating the crews' tremendous lifesaving efforts over five decades.

People of all ages are expected to flock to the Alma Road base on Sunday, October 30, to mark its 50th anniversary.

The celebrations come just days after crews at the retained station made an urgent plea for drivers to stop "putting lives at risk" by blocking their entrance.

It comes after firefighters rushing to urgent calls say they are being delayed by motorists queueing on the yellow-hatched box junction outside the building.

Crews warn that the station has witnessed a huge increase in the volume of traffic passing it over the last five decades and say more needs to be done to ensure people abide by the Highway Code and keep the box junction clear.

The open day is designed for more people to learn about the inner workings of the centre which is staffed by 25 retained firefighters who hold full-time jobs in other careers but are expected to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible.

Reports in the Advertiser in the run-up to the station opening in 1966 reveal that the £21,000 building had been situated in a location which allowed "quick response" to emergencies and operations.

It was built to replace a former station in Latimer Street - used as an auxilliary station during World War II - and has always been staffed by retained crews.

A series of vintage engines from that time will be on show at the open day and the chance to see its two modern-day fire engines and other vehicles from the brigades environmental protection unit.

There is a Halloween theme with a range of stalls and activities including a scary costume competition, a fire engine simulator and a Dunk a Witch game.

It is a chance to meet veteran firefighters and their families and present-day crew members who hold alternative full-time jobs ranging from florists to website designers - with some working as whole-time firefighters at other stations in the county.

A plaque will be unveiled by Charles McGill - watch manager of Hardley fire station in the New Forest who is also celebrating 50 years in the service.

In the run-up to the station opening, Hampshire dignitaries had praised plans for the yard with its 40ft partially enclosed drill and hose tower and 1,000 gallon underground water storage tanks.

The tower has since been replaced by more modern facilities and the tanks filled in due to fears of Legionnaires' disease.

But at the time Deputy Mayor Alderman Mackrell had told the audience at the Romsey brigade's annual dinner that it would be a "first class set-up" for a "first class brigade".

Present day station watch manager Anthony Hurle said: "This is a chance to see how firefighting has evolved over the years and how technology has changed so we can help more people in need. They used to mainly fight fires but now we deal with road traffic accidents, hazardous materials, animal rescues and are capable in dealing with terrorist attacks."