The first of 15 state-of-the-art new fire engines for the Cornwall Fire & Rescue service has hit the road in Truro.

The appliance, which can carry more water and features new firefighting technology, will also reduce the carbon footprint of the fire service through reduced emissions.

Among the new features of engine are a state-of-the art firefighting pump, a lighter weight portable pump and high pressure ventilation fan, and hose reels with larger diameters.

Also onboard are dedicated battery crash rescue tools, which are used to extract people from damaged vehicles following crashes.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Justin Sharp said: “We are delighted to be introducing this new model of fire engine to our fleet, which will meet the demands of a modern firefighter and keep them safe.

"Firefighters have been involved in the design and development of the new vehicle with our assets team from the start, as they are the ones who will be using them day in and day out to respond to everything from house fires, road traffic accidents and flooding to animal rescues and more. We are always looking at ways to improve our service.

"They are equipped with the latest technology and design features, including measures to reduce our carbon footprint, all of which will enable us to be even more efficient and effective when responding to emergencies.”

The new engine is the first of 15, which will be rolled out across the service's community fire stations in the coming weeks.

They also feature improved crew safety through collision avoidance and lane departure systems, and a 360 degree reversing camera.

Councillor Rob Nolan, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for environment and public protection, which includes the fire service, said: “These new fire engines represent a significant investment and modernises an ageing fleet with new vehicles, which will reduce maintenance costs."