HUNDREDS of families enjoyed a free open day at the largest police station in Europe.

Around 1,700 people attended Lewisham Police Station to look at vintage police vehicles, try on riot gear and have their fingerprints taken as a souvenir.

Visitors also listened to officers from the Mounted Branch talk about how they train and look after the horses and the equipment they use when they ride them.

Youngsters were able to stroke some of the horses, which included Huntsman and Grace who were used during the royal wedding procession.

Information was also available about CitySafe, crime prevention, Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Transport, the London Fire Brigade, Forensics, the Dog Unit and the Lewisham Safer Partnership.

Borough Commander for Lewisham, Chief Superintendent Jeremy Burton, said: “We have a large population of young people living on the borough and it was so nice to see them come along and see what we do.

“This was not just an open day it was a community day and it gave people the opportunity to see some of the great work of my team and teams across the Met, we will definitely be holding another one.”