FIREFIGHTERS in Saffron Walden have taken delivery of a new state-of-the-art fire engine to help them tackle blazes across the district. Fully kitted the appliance is worth more than �200,000 and is due to go into action later this week. Station Officer P

FIREFIGHTERS in Saffron Walden have taken delivery of a new state-of-the-art fire engine to help them tackle blazes across the district.

Fully kitted the appliance is worth more than �200,000 and is due to go into action later this week.

Station Officer Paul Curtis said: "This is a front line appliance which will be a great benefit to the station. It can carry more equipment than the older version and can be used in a variety of roles."

The new appliance was unveiled to the public at an open day held at the Hill Street fire station on Saturday. It is the first time the station has been allocated a new fire engine.

"Each appliance has a life cycle of about 12 years and there is a rolling programme to replace them," said Mr Curtis. "Saffron Walden is a busy station so we have received one a bit quicker."

The appliance is decked out with the latest firefighting equipment which will allow crews to effectively battle potential blazes at the fuel depot on Ashdon Road and at Stansted Airport.

The station currently runs two appliances and the new vehicle will replace one of the existing ones. There are 17 retained firefighters at the station and nine of them are trained to drive an appliance.

At the open day children and families had the opportunity to sit in the all of the fire engines as well as throw wet sponges at the firefighters and buy food from the barbeque.

Mr Curtis said: "It was a really successful open day and I hope people took home the message of fire safety as well as having some fun."

Stansted fire station will be holding an open day on Saturday (July 11). For more information visit the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service website at www.essex-fire.gov.uk