Skipton Fire Station has taken delivery of a brand new state-of-the-art fire engine.

Worth £75,000, the vehicle will serve Skipton and the surrounding areas and is a fully-equipped, 59-plate Volvo, capable of carrying up to six firefighters.

It is fitted with equipment to deal with a wide variety of incidents ranging from fires, floods and road traffic collisions to chemical incidents, rescues from height and water-related incidents.

Its modern computerised pump can deliver more than 2,250 litres of water a minute if required.

Group manager Carl Boasman said: “The crew are proud to take delivery of this appliance as it improves our capability when dealing with a wide variety of incidents within the district.

“Staff at Skipton have worked hard to train themselves to the high standards expected of them and continue to deliver an excellent service to our communities.”

And watch manager Pat Graham said: “It’s a privilege to have a new appliance such as this and this investment at the station shows the service’s commitment to providing a first class fire and rescue service within Craven and the surrounding areas.

“With the new appliance and equipment, I am confident the crews will continue to take pride in their station and their community.”

The Skipton engine is one of four leased under a finance deal organised by Wetherby-based independent business finance company A1 Capital, run by husband-and-wife team Ian and Ann Smith.

Mr Smith said: “We are delighted to have been able to secure this deal and ensure the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has the vehicles and equipment to meet the needs of the local community.”

The other engines will be deployed in Knaresborough, Ripon and Whitby.