DEVIZES fire station stalwart Mike Angel spent his last day in the service washing cars and helping to raise nearly £500 for the Firefighters Charity.

Mr Angel has spent 26 years as a retained firefighter in the town and is one of a number of crew members in Devizes who have clocked up decades of service.

Retained station commander Pip Flowers, who has served for more than 35 years, said: "Mike has been absolutely brilliant. He is a true champion."

His colleagues will say their own farewell tomorrow when they for a goodbye meal.

Also about to step down this summer will be Mark Perrett who has been in the service for 35 years.

Mr Flowers said that new younger blood was needed and urged anyone interested in becoming a retained firefighter to go to the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire website on www.dwfire.org.uk which gives full details of how to apply.

The car wash, organised by Richard Lake, was a big success. He said: "We thought we had raised £500 but we slightly miscounted. But we are pleased with the amount."