FIRE engines, police officers and ambulance crews will return to Cotswold Airport today for the south west’s biggest outdoor show.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the Emergency Services Show for a chance to learn about the work of 999 crews, take part in activities, listen to safety talks and meet emergency service teams from Swindon and Wiltshire.

The highlights of this year’s event include a Batmobile, an American cop cruiser, rescue displays, helicopters, vintage vehicles, and blue light rides.

Michelle Godwin organised the show with a committee of nine people and volunteer helpers.

She said: “It’s hard work but the rewards make it worth doing.

“It takes three days to build the site, it’s crazy busy but, come Sunday, everything will be OK.

“It’s a cheap family day out, people come from all over the country to see it, and it’s a rare opportunity to chat and ask questions to police, fire crews and paramedics.

“The first time people meet the emergency services is when they call 999, which can be a very scary experience.

“This show gives them a chance to meet them in a safe environment outside of an emergency situation, which takes the fear away and will reassure them if they ever do need their help.

“It’s also a chance for people to find out about other less well-known services who support the main three, like the RNLI lifeguards, and the Blood Bikes volunteers that deliver organs, blood and breast milk.

“Hopefully it stays dry - the weather was horrific last year, but people still turned out to see the show.”

The Emergency Services Show started in 2005 as an open day at Malmesbury Fire Station and, since then, has grown to become a hugely successful family fun day.

In 2006, the show moved to Hullavington Airfield and ran there every year until 2015, except for 2012.

The show moved to the former RAF Kemble airfield in 2016.

The event’s original concept was to raise awareness and improve community safety. When it began to turn a profit, the committee granted the money to charities and blue light organisations that support the work of the emergency services. The committee has been able to grant over £150,000 since 2005 to these causes. In 2015, the organising committee became a charitable trust.

Tickets to the show cost £6.50 for adults, £3.50 for children aged three to 16, and children under three get free entry.

To book tickets, visit emergencyservicesshow.com/tickets or pay on the gate.