ELECTRIC shocks, fires and dangerous building sites were all part of the experience at a unique family event that took place yesterday.

The 999 Family Fun Day, held at the LV=Streetwise interactive safety centre in Elliott Road, West Howe, taught children how to stay safe as they had fun.

Thousands of families took part in a host of activities, with performances, aerial platform roof rescues and Dorset Police dog demonstrations adding to the fun.

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Manager Alison Shelton said: “We have had so much support this year – it’s absolutely fantastic.

“We’ve got families, sponsors, supporters and representatives from the emergency services here, and we’ve even got the weather on our side, which is wonderful.

“Every single one of these families will go back home and remember things they learned or talked about here today, and that will make them safer in the future.

“It’s very exciting.”

Visitors wandered through the centre, which is set out as a village with safety scenarios to test.

The unit features a full-sized house, a railway station, a beach and building site.

Steve Dunkerley, 33, of Bournemouth, brought four-year-old daughter Beth along for the event.

The youngster said: “My best bit was hooking the duck, but I really liked holding the animals too.

“I got to hold a tortoise and a snake.”

Nicky Pimperton and five-year-old son Alfie said that they also enjoyed the day.

“It’s absolutely ideal for kids, but the adults can have fun too,” she said.

“Everyone is learning about dangers in the real world, and they’re having a great time learning.”

PCSO Olivia Parkins from the West Howe Safer Neighbourhood Team added: “Everyone really seems to be enjoying themselves, and we’re really happy to be here.

“Kids have been coming along to try on our hats and see the police car.”

Volunteer Soo Chivers, a retired teacher, who has been helping out at the centre for around a year, said: “I have seen quite a few children today who have been here before on school trips.

“They’re leading their parents around and showing them all of the different things there are to do here, which is absolutely wonderful.”