IT WAS a week of firsts for Launceston fire station recently — it held its first children's Christmas party and is the first station in the county to set up its own Twitter account — @LauncestonCFRS

Station Officer Gary Chapman hopes the twitter account will provide another communication link to the community, and help people understand what local firefighters do and how often there are call-outs.

During the Christmas party for children of friends and family on Sunday, December 15, firefighters sounded the alarm as they received a call 'to rescue a white bearded man from a chimney'. The firemen rushed out in the fire-engine, and returned with Father Christmas — much to the children's delight.?Each child received an early Christmas present. The party was well received, and Mr Chapman said the station plans to host one again.

For the full report, and a round up of the news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.