FORMER employees of Durham County Fire Brigade are being invited to a special farewell party.

Anyone who worked in the organisation is being encouraged to attend an event to be held in the former Headquarters at Framwellgate Moor, which is due for demolition in March next year.

The building not only housed Durham city’s fire station but also all of the offices associated with a fire brigade including stores, finance, transport, the mechanics’ workshop and a canteen as well as the control room and the training centre for new firefighters.

The training centre catered for people from all over the north of England, from Scarborough in the south, Cumbria in the west and Northumberland in the north.

It was the HQ for the county’s fire brigade for more than 50 years and holds many memories for former personnel.

The party will be held on Saturday, February 7, between 10am and noon and is open to all retired personnel and their families.

There will be various attractions, including a huge photo library from the past, bouncy castle and fire appliances both new and old.

All welcome.