At the French Percheron Breed Show and European Congress at Haras du Pin the unsuspecting crowd - well used to dramatic French equine activity - were not anticipating such excitement from the English fire engine. But at the end of the spectacular performance they gave the guests a standing ovation.

Francois Chouanard, president of the Society Hippique Percheronne de France, had seen the St Giles fire engine in action at the British Percheron Breed Show several years ago. He invited the McDermotts over the Channel. Complete with a new boiler to replace the 80-year-old version which was becoming limited to a lower pressure, the engine, horses and human team set off from Hampshire ready for the show.

Ready for their entrance, the McDermotts had the nail-biting job of ensuring the steamed engine was kept sweet while previous arena events ran late. With Francois Chouanard playing the part of arsonist, the two-ton engine finally entered the ring with the horses at a gallop and the steam whistle blowing. The delivery hose was run out to the water and the huge jet extinguished the fire within seconds. The crowd applauded loudly, becoming more excited as the jet was pointed skyward, spraying ring photographers and some of the crowd. The engine swept round the ring again and out, to great appreciation.

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