WATCH manager at Chippenham Fire Station Russell Lewns has hung up his fireman's axe and helmet after 30 years of service.

He leaves the station this week having joined in 1988 as a retained firefighter on the Isle of Wight before moving to Guildford to work there for the service. In 2003 he moved to Chippenham where he has been ever since.

"I feel a bit strange," he said, "it is the right time to go but I will miss it.

"It's a great career and I had my time again I'd do it all over again."

During his time he has seen improvements in protective clothing and a move to fire prevention with the service promoting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

"People don't have bonfires in their back garden at Guy Fawkes som much," he said, "they tend to go to organised displays."

His colleagues have spoken of his sense of humor and experience which he has passed on to new recruits.

Crew Manager Dave Bishop said he would be greatly missed by the fire service and wished him well.