YOUNGSTERS with cancers were given rides in fire engines in the 28th annual fire engine run in Hampshire today.

Twenty privately-owned engines took the youngsters from St Mary's Stadium in Southampton for a free day out at Paultons Park in the New Forest.

The run is organised by the Wessex Cancer Trust in conjunction with the Fire Service Preservation Group for children in the Piam Brown Unit at Southampton General Hospital.

The children and their families rode in the engines, one of which took part in the first event in 1988.

The Firefighters' Charity mascot Blaze Bear was on hand to entertain the children.