A VINTAGE fire engine with a turntable ladder was today, Thursday, leading the funeral procession of Leominster's longest-serving fire fighter, writes PETE BLENCH.

Stewart Banks became a Fire Brigade 'ambassador' promoting the service across two counties.

Mr Banks, 58, who died suddenly last week, lovingly maintained his 'baby' - the old Bedford fire appliance dating from the 1950s. He took it to fire station open days and fetes around Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Leominster's retained fire fighters, who have been stunned by their colleague's shock death from a heart attack, were today donning their uniforms to serve as coffin bearers at the Priory Church funeral.

Mr Banks, described as 'a shining light' by the service Divisional Commander for Herefordshire, Ray Rogers, was also a popular figure at the town's Royal British Legion Club.

He was found dead in his car last week at Cadbury's Marlbrook factory where he was a supervisor. He had finished work and is thought to have had a heart attack after getting into his vehicle to go home to Cranes Lane.

Only the week before Mr Banks had marched with fire service colleagues in the Remembrance Sunday parade in Leominster. And he had recently played a prominent role in helping to raise more than £4,500 in the town for the families of New York firemen killed in the World Trade Centre disaster.

Support work

Mr Banks spent a day in Corn Square gathering money for the appeal fund.

With him was the 'retired' vintage engine with the turntable, which spent all its active life in the county.

It was a great hit with children at events - and man and machine became a great 'PR' team.

Divisional Officer Rogers said Mr Banks had taken the old vehicle to all 13 Herefordshire fire station open days this year plus many in Worcestershire - nothing was too much trouble for him.

Leominster sub-officer Roger Hall said Mr Banks had played an important 'ambassadorial role' in recent years and would be greatly missed.

"This has come as such a terrible shock," said Mr Hall. "So many years of experience have gone with him."

Mr Banks retired as an operational retained fire fighter at 55 as the rules demand, after 35 years 'front line' service. He was the first member of the Hereford & Worcester retired fire fighters association and carried on in a newly created 'retired-retained' role doing all manner of support work.

He was the holder of two medals, a 20-year long service and good conduct award and a rare medal for outstanding service.

Stewart Banks leaves a widow, Jean, and two children.

The funeral was being held at 1pm today, Thursday. (Family and Fire Brigade flowers only. Donations may be given to the National Fire Service Benevolent Fund).

A reception for mourners is being held after the service at the Leominster RBL club.