IT'S normally the place you hope not to end up - but about 2,000 flocked to an open day at Kidderminster Police Station to see behind the scenes at the force.

The event took place at the Habberley Road site on Sunday when visitors from across Worcestershire met police dogs and their handlers, went walk-about inside the station to see detectives at work, view mock crime scenes, experience video identification and play police-related games.

Vehicles on view during the four-hour open day included a CCTV VAN, motorbikes and patrol cars, complete with breathalysers. Stands focusing on drugs awareness, crime prevention, special constables and recruitment. On the less serious side, face painting, competitions, balloons and police goody bags also featured.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore said: "I was amazed by how popular the event was. It was a huge success and will have helped further improve the relationship with the police and the public.

"There is a lot of valuable work going on behind the scenes which our communities of Kidderminster and surrounding areas don't normally get to see. This was a valuable tool to showcase what we do to make residents feel safe and be safe."

Supt for north Worcestershire Kevin Purcell said: "We welcome any opportunity to meet with members of the public and were delighted with a huge number of people who came to see us and how we operate, it was a great boost to police officers and staff."