BURY police are gearing themselves up for a massive fingerprinting exercise on visitors to their cells.

However, police chiefs have promised to release all guests without charge and return their prints as souvenirs when they stage an open day on Sunday, June 24.

Members of the public can take a look behind the scenes at the Irwell Street headquarters and enjoy a host of side shows and displays performed by different sections of the force.

The day's events will be officially opened by the Bury Young Citizen of the Year, Nicola Mather, along with the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Paul Nesbit, and the boss of Bury police, Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood.

Star attractions include a display by GMP's Tactical Aid Unit and the training officers who train officers in self-defence and how to use their batons. Dog handlers will put their hounds to the test, the Underwater Search Team will be displaying their in-shore lifeboat and life saving equipment and the Area Operations Room staff will be on hand to explain how the thousands of 999 calls and non-urgent calls are received and dealt with. There will also be displays by other groups in the community that work alongside the police including Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, Early Break, which helps youngsters with drug problems, and Victim Support.

Families will also be able to take a look around the custody area and the cells which will be empty for the day. Children can have their mug-shots taken and even have their fingerprints put into key-rings.

Event organiser Inspector Paul Crosbie, the community affairs inspector, said: "The main aim of this event is for families to come along and have an enjoyable day while also learning a little bit about how their local police force works.

"Every aspect of police work will be represented during the day to explain their roll while those thinking of a career in the police can discuss their prospects with officers from the Recruitment Unit.

"The open day promises to be a great day out for all."

Entry to the event is free and the open day starts at 10am.