Motorists travelling between Ower and Totton on Saturday morning might have been surprised to see a convoy of fire engines.

However, there was no need for alarm as the vehicles were taking children living with cancer for a treat.

More than 40 preserved fire engines, the oldest being more than 80 years old, gathered at Paultons Park, taking youngsters and their families on a 15-mile round trip.

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Named the Piam Brown Ward Fire Engine Adventure, after the children's cancer ward at Southampton General Hospital, the fire engine event was celebrating its 35th anniversary.

It is organised by Jon Bickers and Keith Allgood of the Wessex Fire and Rescue Service.

The children, their families and the fire engine drivers were allowed free access to Paultons Park and were treated to a tea before returning home.

Mick's Burger Bar from Portsdown Hill donated 300 doughnuts.

Andy Chapman, the park's Education and Sales Manager, said it was amazing seeing so many fire engines giving so much pleasure to the children and their families.

The fire engines came from across the South of England including Essex, Kent, Sussex, Somerset and London.