A wartime fire engine that saw service during the Blitz is set to return to Dartford.

In October, Dartford council announced they had bought the 1939 Leyland Pump Escape (left) fire engine for £1.

They decided to act after the closure of the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (KMFRA) museum in Maidstone.

The fire engine was brought in 1939 by Dartford Fire Brigade and kept at Overy Street fire station.

However, the UK government decided town fire brigades were unworkable and brought in countywide services.

The engine served Dartford until 1955 when it was withdrawn from service.

It will be officially presented back to the borough at a signing off ceremony at Dartford fire station in Watling Street on Thursday at 1pm.

Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite and Cllr Ann Allen will meet with members of KMFRA and Kent Fire and Rescue for the exchange.

We are pleased that this bit of fire brigade history can return home.Bryan Cope, chairman of KMFRA, said: "

"The Council’s plans would mean the engine could be seen and appreciated by thousands of local people and school children, which would be excellent."