A BLAZE which destroyed a vintage fire engine today has tarnished a couple's big day.The classic red 1931 fire engine was due to take a bride and groom from the Melton register office where they were getting married this afternoon to their reception, believed to be at Ufford Park.

BY GEORGINA JAMES

georgina.james@eveningstar.co.uk

A BLAZE which destroyed a vintage fire engine today has tarnished a couple's big day.

The classic red 1931 fire engine was due to take a bride and groom from the Melton register office where they were getting married this afternoon to their reception, believed to be at Ufford Park.

But instead of being pride of place on the most memorable days of their lives, the vintage Morris-Commercial now lies gutted and unrecognisable.

Last minutes plans had to be made to find alternative transport and it was thought that more traditional means in the form of a Bentley was put on standby.

Firefighters were called to the fire which started some time before 2.30am in the driveway of a house in Sandy Lane, Martlesham.

Judy Johnson, the owner of the house called the Roost where the engine was being kept, said: "I woke up at about 2.30am to go to the bathroom and I saw what looked like a candle flickering away.

"I was only half awake and thought I must be seeing things. I looked out of the window and I saw the engine up in flames."

She added: "I immediately called the fire brigade and told them I had fire engine in my drive on fire. I think the woman on the other end of the phone was rather shocked and I had to repeat myself.

"I then hid behind the bed as I thought the engine might explode and shatter the windows."

The fire engine, which is believed to have belonged to the brother of the groom, was being stored on the driveway as the couple feared it might not make the journey from Ipswich.

One appliance from Woodbridge attended the scene and where the fire engine was said to be well alight.

It is not yet known how the fire started but investigation may started after the wedding.

Mrs Johnson, who is not going to the wedding herself, said: "It's a nightmare. I feel so guilty that the bride and groom's day has been ruined.

Mrs Johnson said the couple were devastated and did not wish to talk about the incident or be identified.

"I feel so guilty because the fire engine was parked on my drive and just feel so sorry for them.

"The worst thing was having to tell them about it."