AN HISTORIC fire helmet will remain in west Dorset after being donated by a former firefighter.

Wilfred Edwards, 92, donated the helmet, thought to have been used during the 1920s and 1930s to Bridport Museum. The museum has loaned the helmet to Martin Cox at Highlands End Holiday Park - where it will sit next to an engine used in Bridport dating back to 1902.

Mr Cox is one of the original four firemen who 'rescued' the steam pump from its badly vandalised glass case on The Green outside The George in West Bay in the early 1980s.

"For many years, I've been trying to get hold of one of these helmets" said Mr Cox.

"Mr Edwards had kept it for many years. He didn't want to sell it, but he didn't want it to leave Bridport. I helped him get in touch with Emily Hicks at Bridport Museum and she has taken it in.

"It was a good arrangement for everyone involved. Mr Edwards was pleased it has stayed in the town, and it's great it isn't sat in a box and is with the original engine here in our bar."

Mr Cox, a retired firefighter spent 31 years in the fire service and has also managed to get hold of a second helmet from the same era to add to his display.