CHILDREN hoping to feel like a firefighter in a big red engine at summer fetes in Weston this summer have been disappointed

CHILDREN hoping to feel like a firefighter in a big red engine at summer fetes in Weston this summer have been disappointed.For years the brave firefighters of Weston have driven their engines to fetes across the district so youngsters can clamber around the engines.But fete organisers say some youngsters were left disillusioned when they could not try on their uniforms and have a go on the pumps, as firefighters have to keep a close eye on the youngsters around their state-of-the-art equipment.Avon Fire and Rescue bosses say the traditional practice of showing children around the engines is something they want to maintain but they cannot always let them have a free reign in the engines.The Mercury's own photographers have also been restricted when trying to take pictures of the youngsters dressing up in firefighters' hats and holding hoses.A spokesman for Avon Fire & Rescue said when lots of youngsters want to get on the pumps and in the cabin they cannot always allow it because there are not enough firefighters to supervise them.The firefighters also have to bear in mind they might be called out on a 999 call and will need to get to all of their equipment straight away - which could be a problem if the children are wearing or playing with it.A spokesman said: "We have not stopped any of the traditional practices at events like school fetes, that's not what we are about. Sometimes there might be other issues involved and if people are unhappy they should contact us.