Rent your own fire engine for an adrenalin-fuelled drive

LONDON: Adults and children who dream of speeding through the streets with sirens blaring and everyone getting out of their way can sign up for a fire engine drive with a British company.

Under expert tuition, thrill-seekers can "channel their inner firefighter" and pilot a bright red Dennis Sabre XL engine with a top speed of 130kph.

Passenger rides, which take place at a former Royal Air Force bomber station in the southern English town of Bicester, are also available for those not old enough to drive the big boy's toy, with children as young as six able to perch inside the cabin.

"Many youngsters dream of becoming a firefighter one day, so by putting their foot to the floor in a Denis Sabre XL, those behind the wheel may very well feel like they are finally fulfilling a childhood dream," said Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk.

After a safety briefing an instructor guides drivers in a one-to-one session before they are allowed to get to grips with the 12-tonne vehicle which is powered by an 8.2-litre Cummins engine.

A 20-minute trip on private roads costs £59 (RM332).