Serving and retired firefighters are celebrating the 35th anniversary of one of the country’s oldest fire engine rallies this weekend.

The annual Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Rally, held at Preston Park in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, celebrates the history of firefighting from the past to modern day.

It is running today (Saturday, May 21) and tomorrow.

There is a host of modern and vintage fire engines, along with a selection of vintage cars, military and commercial vehicles and farm machinery.

Two special guests at this year’s event include an ERF Turntable Ladder fire engine, which attended the York Minster Fire in 1984.

There is also a Dennis WrE (water tender carrying a wheeled escape ladder) which attended the Brighton Bombing in October 1984 and was one of the last times a wheeled escape ladder was used in performing rescues at an incident.

There will also be live performances from ‘Big Pete and the Grim Reaper Monster Trucks’ and the fantastic ‘Kangaroo Kids Quad Bike Stunt Display’.

Additional attractions include craft and food stalls, side shows, a fun fair, trade stands and auto-jumble stalls, bungee trampolines, arena displays, including the best in vehicle entertainment, classic clowning and emergency services demonstrations.

Admission is: Adults £5, under 16s and pensioners £2.50, under 5’s free or family ticket (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) £12.00.

Costs also give access to the Preston Hall Museum with its historic street.

The event runs from 11am to 5pm today and Sunday.

Parking is free and dogs on leads are welcome.