by Jamie Bullenjbullen@thekmgroup.co.uk

A wartime fire engine is coming back to Dartford after more than 70 years and a bargain deal.

Dartford council has bought the vintage fire engine for just £1 after six months of talks with the Kent and Medway Fire Rescue Authority (KMFRA).
It is estimated the fire engine would have fetched £18,500 had it been sold privately.

The 1939 Leyland Pump Escape was purchased by Dartford Borough Fire Brigade in the same year and was then used as part of the national war effort during the Second World War.

Two years later the fire service was nationalised which meant the engine belonged to Kent Fire Brigade.

Withdrawn from active service in 1955, the fire engine was restored in the 1970s and has been showcased at various exhibitions across Kent.
It was based at the KMFRA museum in Maidstone until it closed last year because the building was unsuitable.

Part of the deal between Dartford council and KMFRA is that it will go on public display within two years.

A meeting at Dartford council tonight (Thursday) will discuss where to keep the engine when it is returned.

Members will also discuss what budget to set to cover maintenance costs.
A council document says the vehicle will cost £5,000 a year to maintain and it may be kept at Dartford fire station in Watling Street on a short term loan.

Council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite said he was 'chuffed' the engine was returning to the town but didn't say where it would be put.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted we have got this. It's great for the people of Dartford. We're hoping to have it on public display and available at fetes and other events.
"We just need to find somewhere to put it but we are making plans and we also hope it could act as a fire safety message.
"As far as I'm concerned it belongs to the town and it should stay that way. It would have been a shame if it was sold off to a private collector."