A Teesside man has tracked down the region's oldest fire engine 'in existence' and hopes to restore it to its former glory.
Luke Brockelsby has had an interest in fire engines since he was a child, growing up in farming he was always around large vehicles and machinery.
After tracking down the vintage engine, he hopes to bring it 'home' to Teesside and restore it to how it once was.
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27-year-old Luke is part of the North East Emergency Vehicle Society (NEEVS) - a group which work to preserve the region's old emergency service vehicles which have since retired from active duty.
Luke, from Sedgefield, said: "After buying my first fire engine I got involved with a group of local, like minded people (NEEVS). Between us we have seven or eight local engines at various different stables of restoration."
"I believe the fire engine was first registered for duty in 1974 and is the oldest Cleveland Fire Brigade engine in existence. It was put in a barn in Essex some 30 years ago, it came up for sale on Tuesday and I bought it so it didn't fall into the wrong hands - I wanted her back home where she belongs."
Now Luke owns the vintage fire engine, his next challenge after picking it up in a few weeks time is to completely restore it to its former glory.
Luke added: "My plan is to do a full restoration, it's currently a non runner and requires a gear box as well as running gear and lots of additional little bits. Through my friends and NEEVS, I have managed to source some of the parts I'm in need of over the past 24 hours which I really appreciate.
"I grew up in Thornaby and that's where the fire engine was originally based whilst in active duty, I know it would mean a great deal to myself and many others to bring her home!
"My aim is to get the fire engine fully restored in time for the summer so I can take it to classic car and vehicle shows in the area."
Luke's restoration journey of the oldest Cleveland Fire engine in existence can be followed via the North East Emergency Vehicle Society's Facebook page.
He is also appealing to people who may have some parts that he can use for the fire engine.
If you have a suitable gearbox or a spare Perkins V8 510 Engine, get in touch with Luke via the NEEVS page.
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