FIREFIGHTERS will demonstrate their lifesaving skills during a public consultation event this weekend.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFS) will host the event at Spennymoor Community Fire Station, on Green Lane Industrial Estate, on Saturday, February 8, from 10.30am to around lunchtime.

The event will be an opportunity for people to learn about the brigade and help shape its future.

Due to proposed government funding reductions, which will affect fire services nationally, it is estimated that CDDFS will have to shave £3.5m from its budget by 2016-17.

Feedback from Saturday’s event will help the brigade decide how to cut costs, while still maintaining the current level of protection for residents.

Firefighters will also demonstrate the extrication skills they use when attending the scene of a road traffic collision.

Organisers have asked anyone interested in attending to contact District Manager Steve Cummings at scummings@ddfire.gov.uk or call 07786-027229.