WELLINGTON firefighters have said goodbye to a vehicle that has served the local area for the last 17 years.

The station's medium response pump has been moved to the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service (DSFRS)'s reserve fleet. 

Crew members will soon welcome a new, modern Volvo fire engine, with crew members set to get acquainted with it over the coming weeks. 

On Monday evening, Wellington station members travelled to Taunton to see their version of the “extremely impressive” new pump.

The station's blue light drivers will each carry out a familiarisation drive in the near future before the new vehicle arrives in Wellington.

A spokesperson said: “On Monday (December 12), Wellington station bid farewell to our medium response pump V70P1.

“Our pump has served Wellington and the surrounding areas for the last 17 years! 

“The pump will now enter the reserve fleet for DSFRS and will be used as a ‘stand in’ for other appliances when damaged or away for service. You may still see it in passing.

“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 medium response pump.”

For more information and future updates, visit Wellington Fire Station's Facebook page.