A NEW fire engine is shortly due to be delivered to Wellington after the town brigade’s long-serving medium response pump (MRP) V70P1 was stood down.

A generation of firefighters in the town have been responding to incidents on the MRP for the past 17 years.

Now, it has been transferred to the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue reserve fleet and will be used as a stand-in for other brigades’ appliances when damaged or away for service.

A spokesman said: “The sad departure does mean there are some exciting times ahead.

“Over the next fortnight our blue light drivers, as well as other crew members, will be trained and familiarised with a brand new replacement pump.

“When the training is complete the station will receive the new appliance.

“Until then, we are using a reserve MRP.”