A VINTAGE fire engine, that was built almost 100 years ago, has been added to Essex Fire Museum’s collection.

The 1930 Albion Merryweather has been loaned by a local family to the museum.

William Edwards, who worked in the commercial vehicle trade in south Essex, bought the Merryweather engine more than 40 years ago for his personal collection. He passed away two years ago.

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His daughter, Kim Juniper, and grandchildren, Mark, and Victoria, visited the museum, based at Grays Fire Station, to hand it over.

Mark said: "My grandad kept it at the end of the garden, but he was always too busy to get out with it. It's a lovely vehicle; you won't see another one in that kind of condition.

"The volunteers said they are looking forward to using it and working on it.

“It's great to know people are going to get some enjoyment out of it."