A HEXHAM firefighter has retired after 30 years of serving communities throughout Northumberland.

John Wilkinson (50) completed his last shift at Hexham Fire Station on November 30, where he has dedicated more than two decades of his career.

The firefighter with the town’s blue watch told colleagues he had “enjoyed every moment” of working with them in a role which had been his “boyhood dream”.

“I first applied when I was sixteen,” explained John. “But they told me to come back in a few years, so I did.”

John, who lives in Bedlington with his partner Tracy Parker, joined Northumberland Fire and Rescue on October 2, 1987 and has worked with crews in Cramlington, Blyth and Morpeth over the years.

“I’ll never forget dealing with incidents like the floods, which caused mass devastation in the area, but really brought communities together,” he explained.

“I have lived on station when I’m on shift so I don’t think there’ll be many people who have spent more time in this place than me,” added John, who now plans to forge a new career as a hospital porter.

“Hexham really does have a special place in my heart and this is a bittersweet moment.”

Northumberland’s chief fire officer, Paul Hedley, was at Hexham Fire Station last Thursday to present John with a long-service award on his final shift.

“For those of you who don’t know, John and I grew up together, so I’m incredibly proud of the career he has had,” said Mr Hedley.

“He is recognised as an excellent firefighter and has the respect of his colleagues and peers.

“It’s been a privilege having John as part of the service and he will be a real miss.”