A Suffolk fire safety company has played a vital role in a project to create a replica First World War tank for a television programme.

East Anglian Daily Times: The fire suppression system supplied by Firetrace for the replica First World War tank project. Picture: FiretraceThe fire suppression system supplied by Firetrace for the replica First World War tank project. Picture: Firetrace (Image: Archant)

Firetrace, which designs and builds fire suppression systems which detect and quell fires in their early stages, was contacted by the producers of documentary Guy Martin’s WW1 Tank, which was screened on Channel 4 on Sunday.

Production company North One Television was put in contact with Firetrace by the Norfolk Tank Museum near Norwich which was working on the project to create a replica of a tank from the Battle of Cambrai, which began in exactly 100 years ago, in November 1917.

The tank was to accommodate up to eight people but with limited access and egress, making the inclusion in the replica of 21st Century fire suppression technology a requirement for safety reasons.

Dave Melton, founder of Firetrace which is based in Knightsdale Road, Ipswich, said: “We were honoured to be asked to be part of this special event and enjoyed working with the team from Norfolk Tank Museum.”

The museum supplied the drive train and engine for the tank, with other supporters including machinery manufacturer JCB which provided a range of components and Chastead World Class who made the track plates.