CHILDREN at a Runcorn-based cerebral palsy support centre had the chance to squirt one of their teachers with a hose reel jet during a visit from firefighters.

The Blue Watch crew at Runcorn Fire Station said they thoroughly enjoyed their recent community engagement visit to a Stick'n'Step centre at the Tudor Hall building in York Street.

The charity offers support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families, including free conductive education sessions to develop the skills needed to live independent lives.

Firefighters showed the children at the Runcorn centre and their accompanying adults around a fire engine whilst displaying its flashing lights and sirens.

The children had their photographs taken whilst sitting inside the fire engine.

They were also shown and learnt about the kit and equipment that the firefighters use to fight fires and rescue people.

Blue Watch firefighter Andy Causton said: "It was an absolute pleasure visiting and talking to the children at the Runcorn Stick 'n' Step centre.

"The crew enjoyed showing them around the fire engine and teaching them about the equipment we use, but the highlight had to be letting them squirt one of their teachers with a hose reel jet.

"The teacher kindly volunteered for the job.

"Under our supervision, the children aimed the water at an umbrella she was holding and it was plain to see how much they enjoyed it.

"The Stick 'n' Step charity does fantastic work for children with cerebral palsy and their families and it was an honour visiting the Runcorn centre and delivering a fun and informative session regarding the life of a firefighter."

The Runcorn centre has been open for the past two years.

The charity also has a centre in Wallasey.