Hottest Party in Town, by Adrian Lee

From hen nights to birthdays,
Sharon Sharman's customised
fire engines create a stir

AS SHARON Sharman juggled her job with the fire brigade and the growing demands of family life, she hit upon an enterprising idea. The mother of two founded her own business, buying two old fire engines which she takes to parties for people looking for fun with a difference.
Two years on, Sharon's idea has proved a massive hit and she has even recruited real firelighters to drive the engines in their spare time.
Sharon, 42, who spent 15 years with the London Fire Brigade in non-operational roles ranging from training to customer services, says: "It was a job I loved but after my daughter Amelia, who's now three, was born I decided I wanted to spend more time at home and began thinking about setting up a business.
"It came to me in a flash when I discovered that they were selling off fire engines because they were upgrading the vehicles," she says. "I only intended to buy one but ended up using my savings to buy two Renault Dodges which were built in 1988."
After a quick makeover for the vehicles, which have been converted to carry up to eight adults and painted with Sharon's company logo, Fire Engine Fun hit the roads. With their water pumps, sirens and flashing lights, the attraction of the engines for big and little kids alike is obvious.
"Everyone loves firefighters and, deep down, many people want to be one," says Sharon, from Handcross, West Sussex, who also picked up some old uniforms for her drivers.
"People are attracted by the element of danger and the fact that firefighters put their lives on the line to help others.
"It's amazing how many children's parties we do where mums and dads want a ride, or the chance to squirt water from the hoses.
"The engines bring a smile to "The engines taring a smile to people's faces, especially when they are full of women on a hen party in the middle of Brighton, where we take girls between pubs and nightclubs. They can bring drinks on board and we've fitted hooters and bells so it can get a bit loud.
"Sometimes a hen party will start with the driver in his uniform going into a pub and carrying out the unsuspecting bride-to-be in his arms. She can't believe it.
"The fire engines bring a sense of fun to a party and we get people along the road laughing and waving as we go past."
PARENTS often book a fire engine as a surprise for their child. "Little faces light up when it arrives and the children realise they can climb on board and wear their own uniforms and helmets, which we provide."
The engines - or perhaps the drivers have proved especially popular with women, too. They have even been hired to take brides, wanting to make a show-stopping arrival, to church.

Sharon recruited a team of part-time and retired firefighters to add a touch of authenticity and expertise.
She says: "We went for ones who love having a laugh. One of our drivers even helped put out a car fire which he came across on his way to a job. He called the fire brigade first but he could hardly drive away and the motorist was very grateful."
Legally, the flashing lights have to be painted black to avoid alarming people and the siren can't be used on public roads. Hiring a fire engine for a party costs from £135, or they can be booked for the evening for about £400.
Recently Sharon, whose husband David is a firelighter but isn't involved in her business, bought a third fire engine which will be used for spare parts.
Anyone thinking of buying their own fire engine will have to find at least £5,000 and the insurance costs a bomb.
"The hosepipe ban we currently have in Sussex is also a real pain," she adds. "Normally we have little wooden flame targets and have competitions to see who can hit them. The water pressure can be altered so that everyone can have a go."