ALLAN Brindle’s taxi became a fire engine for the day to the delight of a party of under-privileged youngsters.

Allan, of Taywood Road, Bolton, stayed up all the previous night converting his taxi into a bright red fire engine ecomplete with flashing lights and ladders for the annual outing to Blackpool, organised by Bolton taxi drivers back in August 1973.

It was an annual event and a spectacular one with all the taxis heading for the seaside from Burnden Park — the former home of Bolton Wanderers.

Allan slapped on red wallpaper and topped the vehicle with white painted ladders and fire hoses.

He even borrowed a fire officer’s uniform and helmet from the brigade.

The result certainly found favour with the 80 or so children who scrambled into more than 20 taxis adorned with balloons, streamers and inflatable animal figures.

The taxis would travel along the streets of Bolton on their way to the day out and crowds would wave.