FAMOUS model makers Corgi today unveiled an exclusive tribute to Blackburn's famous Dennis fire engine as a tribute to 10 years of restoration work.

Only 6,500 models replicas are to be released by the firm in March as part of a 999 series focusing on police, fire and ambulance vehicles.

The model has been described as a "fitting tribute" to the original 1956 vehicle, which is one of only three remaining Dennis fire engines in the country.

Bob France, who works at the Fire Transport Department in Garstang Road, Preston, has been closely involved with the renovation project and bringing the engine back to Blackburn.

He said: "I am really proud that they have picked the engine as the subject of the toy model because it is an extended tribute to all fire fighters involved in restoring it, their dedication and skill."

The engine was first used on January 1, 1957 and cost £3,500 but was taken out of action in 1974 when Blackburn amalgamated the service with Lancashire.

It was then moved back to Blackburn from Chorley's Washington Hall for restoration in 1980 by a team headed by station commander Norman Halliwell.

Bob said: "A finance committee had to be set up to raise funds and organise donations from local firms to cover what would become 10 years' work."

The idea for the model apparently "snowballed" from several features in specialist publications.

Special characteristics of the original engine -- mirrored on the collectors' edition -- include the rare wooden ladder, the distinctive driving position offset to the side of the steering wheel and brakes which, compared to modern technology, are said to be very unresponsive. Bob added: "The engine was state-of-the-art when it was made, which is one of the reasons we have taken such care in preserving it to the original high standard."

One retired fire fighter, Billy Whiteley, worked with 20 other firefighters to apply 60 coats of paint to restore it to its former glory.

Chris Brierley of the Corgi Heritage Centre, in Heywood, said: "This is definitely going to be a popular collector's item because it is old-fashioned and made in the first livery."

Blackburn was always one of the busiest areas in Lancashire and the Dennis engine had a very active service in its day, attending several mill fires as well as the 1968 Cavendish Fire.

The preserved engine has also won many prestigious awards, including the Concours d'Elegance, previously won by a vehicle owned by the Prince of Wales, and Best Fire Appliance at the Cumbrian Stears Gathering.

Chris said: "I am proud of this model because it is such a good reproduction of the actual vehicle."

The original Dennis vehicle is presently being housed at Blackburn's fire station museum along with other memorabilia from firefighting years gone by, including press cuttings of the resident ghost Babocky.

The cost of running the engine is still borne by the Blackburn Fire Service.

Orders for the collector's toy, series number CC13001 and described as the Dennis F15 Rear Pumper, can be taken through the Corgi Heritage Centre at any time on 01706 365812.