THEY often work together and now the three blue light services in West Yorkshire are joining forces to stage this year's Emergency Services Show in Birkenshaw.

The event, at the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service headquarters on Saturday July 12, will showcase the lifesaving work of the three services and also allow visitors to pick up some tips which could help to keep them safe in future.

Fire service equipment on display is expected to include an aerial ladder platform, which is used to access high buildings, the rope rescue and water rescue teams, alongside the wildfire unit which specialises in controlling moorland blazes.

The brigade also has its own dogs in the Urban Search and Rescue Team, which will put on demonstrations of how their keen sense of smell can help find casualties who are lost or trapped.

A mocked-up road accident will allow firefighters to demonstrate how they remove casualties from damaged vehicles.

They will be joined by West Yorkshire Police's Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, who are the most direct link with the force for many residents, crime prevention experts, volunteer special constables, road crime team and road policing officers.

The force's mounted section and dogs sections will also be there to demonstrate their skills.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team,, will be demonstrating its capabilities and exhibiting some vehicles and equipment.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling said: “The show has been immensely popular over the years and we hope this year it will be even more so.

“Last year' event was the tenth anniversary of the show and raised a spectacular £11,000. Not only is it a great day of fun for all the family but it helps some great causes so do come along and support us.”

Last year's proceeds were divided between The Fire Fighters Charity, The British Red Cross and The Forget Me Not Trust.

This year money raised will go once again to The Fire Fighters Charity, as well as Parkinson's UK, The Salvation Army and Martin House Children's Hospice.

Other activities on the day include fairground rides, a performance from a dance troop and music from the fire service band.

For the energetic there will be an Army assault course, plus donkeys and a wide range of charities and other organisations also expected to take stalls.

The show takes place between 11.30am and 4.30pm. Entry is £1 and free for under fours.