DIANE Kuhne was the envy of her friends as fireman John Mallett allowed her to try on his helmet during a visit to Banbury fire station.

The six-year-old was among a party of children from Bretch Hill adventure playground, invited to see the work of the town’s fire brigade in 1970.

Play equipment supplied by townspeople had been installed in a playground for children on the large estate to enjoy themselves, but sadly the site became a nightly target for vandals.