JOHNSTONE was alive with the sound of sirens at the weekend as the annual Fire Engine Rally returned to the town.

Thousands of people turned out to see a parade of fire engines past and present.

A total of 15 emergency vehicles made their way from Johnstone Fire Station to Houstoun Square, where they remained for the afternoon, giving everyone the chance to climb on board and learn how the emergency vehicles have advanced through the years.

Experts from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service staged a variety of demonstrations, including advice on how to deal with a chip pan fire and how to free someone who is trapped in a car after a road accident.

And there was further entertainment in the shape of face painting, music and a falconry display.

The event was hosted by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Heritage Trust.

Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, who was among those in attendance, described it as “a fantastic day.”

She said: “It was great to see so many people visit to take in the parade of fire engines and then stay for an afternoon full of family activities.

“The fire service provided a terrific day of education and it’s an event that the whole community now looks forward to each year.

“Renfrewshire has a packed events schedule which continues for the rest of the year, including the Spree Festival in October, so make sure you check out what’s on and come along if you can make it.”