A NEW landmark in Dudley pays tribute to a fire fighting first which was pioneered by a Black Country company.

A commemorative plaque marking the achievements of Simon Engineering has been unveiled in Angel Street during an event dedicated to classic vehicles from the region.

Simon Engineering built in Dudley from 1945 until 1995, employing hundreds of workers at sites across the borough.

The innovative Snorkel hydraulic platform is the best-known Simon vehicle; it was developed in the post-war era and more than 13,000 were produced and sold around the globe.

The new street furniture, designed by borough artist Steve Field, was unveiled on September 27 during Black Country Vehicle Day when Stone Street Square in Dudley played host to a wide range of classic cars and other traditional vehicles.

The show was part of the Black Country Echoes festival celebrating creativity and innovation in the region.

Echoes will feature a number of events during the coming months, for more information visit www.blackcountryechoes.org.uk