A town's first fire engine is being restored to its former glory.
Bexhill's original 1895 horse-drawn Merryweather fire engine is finally coming back to the town - but it needs some care to make it pristine for another 128 years and more.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service last month announced a collaboration with Bexhill College's media students, who have filmed and edited a series of short videos to support the Merryweather Fire Engine restoration fundraiser.
The plan is to put it on display in Bexhill Museum but once a year roll it out with a pair of horses, as was the tradition at Bexhill Carnival every year from 1895 to 1974.
Despite significant progress, with more than £5,000 raised by Bexhill’s firefighters and Bexhill Town Council, Bexhill Museum still needs more money to make the steam-powered engine safe
A museum spokesman said: “It needs some decent work on its wheels and chassis to make it safe for display and a little more to make it roadworthy for riding around the town on carnival day.
“Then we will buff up its lovely brass work and restore its historic livery.”
You can donate to Bexhill Museum’s fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bring-bexhills-first-fire-engine-home
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