A MULTIPLE award-wining brewery fire engine is heading from Royal Wootton Bassett back to its home city to celebrate its 80th birthday.

The 1937 Leyland Cub, which belongs to former firefighter Chris Wannell, 76, was originally commissioned for Birmingham’s Cape Hill brewery.

With the landmark anniversary today, the vehicle will be honoured in a special ceremony at the Smethwick Heritage Centre, near Birmingham.

Chris said: “There are a number of the old fire crew from Cape Hill brewery getting together and we will be carrying the ones who are fit enough back to the Cape Hill fire station, driving it through Smethwick.

“I remember in my very early days in the fire brigade going to a fire on an open engine.

“It was a very exciting experience, feeling like you were doing 100mph while you’re doing 40mph.”

Chris has been the proud owner of the vehicle since 1980, although, having bought it in pieces, he didn’t get it on the road until 2012. Along with his 1943 Austin, it holds pride of place among his possessions.

He said of the fire engine: “It’s a very nice looking vehicle, it’s got a big brass radiator and a lot of brass on it.

“We have been awarded various awards for it at a number of different shows.

“We are very proud of it, we are proud of both our vehicles. The Austin also does an awful lot of work for the fire service charity.”