Emergency service personnel were praised for their hard work ahead of the inaugural emergency service day on Sunday.

Representatives from East Ayrshire Council met with emergency service personnel.

The day also highlights volunteering in the emergency services, educating people about using emergency services responsibly, and advising the public about how to help them.

The event also provided an opportunity for members of the council to see the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Emergency Vehicle. The 33 new emergency vehicles – which are being built at Emergency One – will help provide a more flexible emergency response .

Councillor Tom Cook, chairperson of the Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee, said: “Over one million people work in the British emergency services today – many of whom are volunteers, and more than 7,000 personnel have lost their lives. It’s important that we recognise the contribution they make to keeping people safe and saving people’s lives.

“It’s also a good time to encourage the public to consider volunteering in a wide range of capacities such as the special constabulary, retained firefighters or NHS community responders.”

For more information on volunteering opportunities, visit www.999day.org.uk/