Scores of people besieged a Bradford police station at the weekend - to sample life behind bars.

Officers at Toller Lane station opened its doors to re-establish it as a community centre, and about 300 people were given a peek behind the scenes during the day, which has been almost a year in the planning.

Community safety officer Inspector Brian Langford said: "It's really good to see people from all backgrounds and ages taking part, especially members of the Afro-Caribbean community from Lumb Lane after the recent troubles they have experienced. We think this is a very important day. This is a community building, not just somewhere people come to when they're in trouble."

Billowing with pride were six "sails" designed by Bradford children to brighten up the building. But the most popular attraction was the tour of the inside of the station, aimed at softening its seemingly harsh image.

Visitors were told that though CS spray may be painful, the alternative to its use in many circumstances was the police baton.

Officers highlighted religiously sensitive food on offer to people in custody, and pointing out the prayer rooms set up for different faiths.

Recruitment teams from the police, fire brigade, ambulance service and Armed Forces were at the station to give out information.

Colour Sergeant Steve Jones, the Army's West Yorkshire external recruiter, said: "Bradford has always been the best place in the region to recruit people from the ethnic minorities, and it is good to be involved in days like this."

Organisers say the open day proved a success and feedback from people who took part has been good.