centenary Many diners enjoy a meal at the French restaurant on Northgate Street in Cheshire, not realising that they're sitting in a building that once played an important role in keeping the public safe. 

For more than 60 years the Grade II listed building now occupied by Chez Jules was Chester's fire station; a base for firefighters and appliances that protected the city throughout World War II, at the height of the cold war and in peacetime. 

June 22 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of the station and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will be celebrating its proud history in partnership with the building's current residents. 

An exhibition of photographs from No. 71 Northgate Street's bygone days will be unveiled in Chez Jules' first floor dining room and two vintage appliances - a Shand Mason C from 1876 and a 1949 Dennis F7 pump escape - will be stationed outside the nearby Town Hall. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will also be providing information about how residents can do their own home safety check online. 

Paul Hancock, Chief Fire Officer, said: "Technology may have moved on since 1911 and we now have a far greater focus on preventing fires, but our purpose remains as clear today as it was for our forbears a century ago. We're here to protect life and property. 

"It's therefore with a huge sense of pride that we mark the centenary of Chester's former station and would encourage people to come down and learn more about the fascinating history of firefighting in the city." 

The photographs will be on display from Wednesday until after the weekend of June 25th/26th and for 100 days Chez Jules will be running special centenary competitions for diners.