HUNDREDS of visitors must have felt especially safe, not to mention thrilled, at a popular event at Eastnor Castle last Sunday, June 22.

For the past four years, the turreted stately home and its grounds, near Ledbury, has played host to the SOS Day, where organisations charged to help us in emergencies are put through their paces.l

Eastnor Castle spokesperson, Sarah Roberts said: "It was a really hot sunny day, and children has a really good time, trying on the gear."

One of the day's highlights was when Hereford and Worcester Fire Service carried out staged lake rescues, much the the delight of the crowds.

Around 900 people flocked to the event, making it even more successful than last year's crowd-pleaser.

Another group bringing the wow factor to the day included the Herefordshire 4x4 Response Group.

Members are 4 x 4 vehicle owners who offer their time and their vehicles as volunteers in emergency situations, where the use of four wheel drive vehicles is required.

West Mercia Police were there, and also the Severn Area Rescue Service (SARA).

SARA is an Inshore Rescue boat and Land Search organisation covering the Severn Estuary, upper reaches of the River Severn, and the rivers Wye, Bristol Avon, Tewkesbury Avon and Usk.

It is the largest independent lifeboat service in the UK, second only to the RNLI,

A day of family fun and rescue displays from our local emergency services. Get up close to the fire engines and see rescue boats, 4x4 response group vehicles and more!