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Chief Minister Tony Brown had a chance to experience life as a Romanian fireman 100 years ago, on his trip to the former Eastern Bloc country.
Our picture shows him being pulled through the streets on a horse-drawn appliance which, despite its age, was still in use until last year, when modern equipment was donated by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.
Highlights of the visit included being made an honorary Romanian citizen in the village of Girisu de Cris, and officially opening a new fire station, built to house two former Manx engines, in the nearby city of Oradea.
The opening ceremony in Oradea was attended by professional fire fighters from the city and their rural, volunteer colleagues, all of whom have been trained by former Isle of Man deputy chief fire officer Bruce Kirkham (picture, right) and his colleagues.
The Isle of Man charity RO-MAN-AID and the Manx government's Overseas Aid Committee have worked together on a number of projects to help improve the quality of life of the local people.
The title 'Citizen of Honour' was bestowed in recognition of the work which has been done by Mr Brown and his government to help people in the two communities.
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