Published: August 16, 2009
6,000 people flock to Burnham-On-Sea rescue services day

More than 6,000 people crowded onto Burnham-On-Sea seafront on Sunday (August 16th) as dozens of local rescue organisations from across the West Country took part in a joint safety awareness day featuring displays and demonstrations.

ESCAPE - the Emergency Services Community Awareness and Promotion Event - involved hovercrafts, lifeboats, micro-lights and even police dogs.

Almost 40 different emergency groups took part, including the BARB hovercrafts, RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset Fire and Rescue and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Others included Somerset Air Ambulance, Skywatch Rescue micro-lights, Exmoor Search and Rescue, Freewheelers Blood Bikes, Somerset 4x4 Response, Mendip Cave Rescue, St John Ambulance, the Model Hovercraft Association and the police's dog team.

Teams from each service were on hand during the day, giving life-saving demonstrations and handing out safety advice.

Thousands of pounds are also expected to have been raised for the organisations taking part.

The event was officially opened by Burnham's Mayor, Derick Cooper and Mayoress Christine Cooper, alongside Sedgemoor District Council Chairwoman Jane Moreton and BARB President Neville Jones, as pictured below.

After a mud rescue display involving the hovercrafts (pictured top), there was a fly-by of microlights, a police dog demonstration, and life-saving demonstrations by Burnham's lifeboats (pictured above).

BARB has organised the popular event since it started in 2004 and event organiser Roger Flower said: "We are delighted it was such a successful event this year. The work of many rescue organisations was on display and we thank everyone for coming along and showing their support."

Burnham-On-Sea fire brigade won a highly competitive tug-of-war between the rescue organisations.

A sandcastle competition was won Morgan and Ella Gabe and Eloise and Nia Jones, with second place going to Shannon and Katherine Gallop, and third to Toby Austin.

Click here for 95 photos from this event in Burnham's online photo gallery