A fire engine enthusiast and his wife own the first one in the country to be licensed for private parties.

And several brides have already swapped the traditional wedding limousine for the fire tender to make sure they get to the church on time.

The lure of an evening being driven round by a man in a uniform has also attracted a growing number of hen parties.

The couple behind the venture are Dee and Lloyd Harris, of Kingston, near Lewes.

Lorry driver Lloyd, 44, has had a life-long fascination with fire engines.

He is one of three men licensed to drive the vehicle, available for hen parties, weddings, birthday parties and nights out.

Dee, 46, who owns the business, said: "Whenever we pass a real engine they always wave and police always wave.

"We can drive the engine anywhere as long as it's accessible. But we're not allowed to have the sirens or blue lights on.

"We've had quite a few hen parties. We provide complimentary bottles of bubbly, so things can get rowdy.

"It was really difficult to find a fire engine because most old ones are sent to developing countries. We got it eventually from the North Yorkshire brigade.

"My husband stripped the parts from inside and put in seats for eight passengers. The engine has seat belts, disco lights, a stereo and bar area."

When it came to licensing, it was a first for Wealden District Council and the DVLA.

Dee said: "I think a few people do a similar thing in Scotland but we are the first in this country.

"It was difficult to get the right paperwork but we got what we needed.

"We are popular for kids' parties. We've not had many weddings.

"We had one bride who was booked in to travel to her wedding in our white Mercedes but about three days beforehand some idiot drove into it.

"I asked if she'd mind being driven to the register office in our engine and she agreed, although she thought her fianc would be horrified."

For hire details, call 01273 473336 or go to www.classecars.co.uk