FIREfighters whose careers have been brought to a premature end by allegations of racism and theft say some of their colleagues betrayed them.

A 12-month investigation into allegations of racism and theft has ended the careers of eight long serving Marlborough fire fighters.

Inquiries started when one firefighter told senior officers that Leading Fire Fighter Graham Loney had made a racist joke during a firemen's social.

Inquiries into that allegation led to the revelation that items had been removed from a derelict building at Savernake Hospital during a brigade exercise.

A number of the firefighters still on call at Marlborough made statements implicating those who were later arrested.

Police were informed, although the items including a sink, a piece of wood, and two white-boards were subsequently returned.

Mr Loney was subsequently cleared of making a racist comment but accepted a caution for theft. He has resigned from the brigade.

Sub Officer Alan Eyles - due to succeed as station commander - accepted a caution from police for theft and has been dismissed from the brigade.

Probationer firefighter Tom Warren, 29, was cleared of any wrongdoing but has resigned over the way his colleagues were treated.

Firefighter Justin Kimber has also been exonerated.

Station Officer Dave Ward resigned last November and is taking the brigade to an employment tribunal claiming constructive dismissal.

Ray Ward, who accepted a police caution for theft, has been dismissed but is believed to be appealing.

Two other firefighters with 16 years' combined service have resigned in protest at the way their colleagues were treated Father-of-two Mr Eyles, 40, said this week: "Call it stupid, nave or what you like but this was the first mistake I had made in 14 years."

Mr Loney, 38, said: "A lot of ex-senior officers have told us they think we were treated badly.

"There were 11 of us involved in the exercise when the stuff was taken but only six were arrested. The public might care to ask: "why?"

Mr Loney said they were not prepared to name those colleagues who had made statements about them. "We feel we were sold down the river," he said.