AN open day at Clacton fire station raised more than £700 for a youngster with a rare muscle-wasting condition.

The station's Red Watch staged the event for five-year-old Stanley Newman, who was born with incurable congenital muscular dystrophy.

Firefighter dad Rob, 42, and teacher mum Laura, from Clacton, are trying to raise thousands of pounds transform their garden to make it suitable for Stanley.

They are about a quarter of the way to the £20,000 target.

The Stanley's Oasis appeal will also provide the youngster with a therapy room and hydrotherapy tub.

He has to use a power wheelchair and relies on 24-hour support.

Laura said: ""We are so grateful to the fire crew, all the volunteers and of course everyone that came to support the event."

Saturday's event featured firefighting demonstrations, search and rescue dogs, live music, a bouncy castle and face painting.

It also raised more than £300 for the Firefighters Charity.