A FIRE brigade has taken delivery of two new fire engines worth more than £200,000.

County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade has just picked up the keys to two of the latest Dennis Sabre fire engines, which will be based at Durham and Newton Aycliffe.

Both have automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes and hydraulic rescue equipment. They also have safety cabs to protect firefighters in an accident.

Firefighters will also benefit from 150 new breathing apparatus sets, which are fitted with the latest electronic aids.

Station officer Ken Dixon said: "We try to maintain our fleet as new as possible to keep response times to a minimum. The new equipment is part of an ongoing replacement programme to ensure that we continue to provide cover as effectively and efficiently as possible."

Station officer Dixon said: "It is very important that we protect our firefighters the best that we can. If they are in danger they obviously cannot do the job to the best of their ability."

The chairman of the fire authority, Councillor Len O'Donnell ,said: "The fire engines and equipment represent the best possible value for money while still providing the very latest safety features to protect our firefighters."