RETAINED fire-fighter Peter Allen attended his last-ever drill night at Littleport Fire Station on Monday. The 50-year-old joined Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1983 with his brother Clive, after being approached by the then sub officer, Gordon

RETAINED fire-fighter Peter Allen attended his last-ever drill night at Littleport Fire Station on Monday. The 50-year-old joined Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1983 with his brother Clive, after being approached by the then sub officer, Gordon Chase, to fill two vacancies in his crew.

After he joined, Mr Allen spent four years as a fire-fighter before being promoted to a leading fire-fighter and finally watch manager in 1989.

He says his enthusiasm and belief in his role has never waned over the last three decades, even during his second shout - a fatal plane crash in Black Bank Road, Littleport.

"Working for the fire service is more than a job, it's a vocation and I would recommend it to anyone.

"Yes you do see some terrible things, but you also get a tremendous sense of pride and pleasure when you've managed to help someone. Just a simple thank you can really make the old chest stick out.

"We have some terrific people working within the service and I will be very sad to go. My crew have almost become like a family to me and it will be very strange to watch the fire engine drive past my house on the way to a shout."

Graham Stagg, chief fire officer for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I would like to thank Peter for his commitment to the service over the last 25 years.

"Our retained fire-fighters are an essential part of our workforce, and thanks to people like Peter we are able to deliver an efficient service to the whole of Cambridgeshire. I wish him all the best in his retirement."

A retirement party and presentation to thank him for 25 years' service will be held at Littleport Sports Centre at the end of April.