Two former Malmesbury firefighters who between them served the brigade for 58 years have been honoured by former colleagues who commissioned an ornate memorial bench in their memory.

Steve Mills, 45, an on-call firefighter for 15 years, died in April, 2011 following an industrial accident.

He was working as a fire services manager at Cotswold Airport in Kemble when he was fatally struck by a high-pressure gas cylinder that is believed to have become decompressed.

Martyn Snell, 68, passed away in March after being diagnosed with cancer.

He began his career as a firefighter in Malmesbury in 1969 and served for 31 years before retiring as officer in charge of the station.

Town councillor Mr Snell also worked as a hydrant inspector for Wiltshire Fire and

Rescue Service before retiring in 2012 – giving him a total service to the brigade of

43 years.

Current Malmesbury firefighters wanted to pay tribute to their popular colleagues so they chipped in for wrought iron bench to be made.

Crafted by former firefighter Roy Evans and his son Chris the bench has been placed around a tree within the fire station grounds.

Last week family and friends of both men gathered at the fire station to see the bench formally dedicated by fire service chaplain, the Rev John Maxwell.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Routh-Jones said: “The memorial bench is a wonderful tribute to Steve and Martyn, who both loved working for the fire service.

“To lose them both within a few years was a massive loss to their families but also to the service and the town of Malmesbury.”

Mr Routh-Jones added: “The bench gives views of the river, the road and the fire station itself.

“So I am certain that local people will enjoy using it for many years to come as somewhere they can rest, perhaps meet with friends, and enjoy a few moments of quiet reflection.”