A class of kindergarteners had first-hand experience of life as a firefighter when they visited Hamilton Fire Station yesterday.

Once Upon a Time nursery pupils used a hose and rode on a fire truck as part of their lessons about community helpers.

Teacher Miriam Medeiros said: "The children loved it.

“The boys liked it but the girls were actually more intrigued.”

Ms Medeiros said that the children saw the “jaws of life” hydraulic rescue tool and watched how the firefighters prepared themselves before answering an emergency call.

Some of the pupils even got to use the fire hose - something she said they were “ecstatic” about.

The Pembroke-based preschool has the theme of “community helpers” for May.

Ms Medeiros explained that the children had a visit from ambulance workers last week and would meet the staff at Island Construction today.

She said that it was important for the pupils to meet people who played an active role in the community, especially those who were not first responders.

Ms Medeiros added: “It makes them aware of what’s in their community.

“They’ve never visited the fire station and they’ve never been to the police station.

“We try to let them know what’s around their school.”

The Once Upon a Time class will meet members of the Bermuda Police Service next week.