Ref. 28523-47Firefighter Kevin Bridg-man is off to Bosnia next week to share his expertise.

Kevin has been with the Defence Fire Service at RAF Shrivenham for more than 23 years, and a firefighter at the Stratton Fire Station in Swindon for 21 years.

"After so many years fighting fires in Wiltshire, I'm ready for the challenge that Bosnia will bring," said the 52-year-old.

"Although not as dangerous as a few years ago, trouble does break out in Bosnia from time to time, so I'm ready for that too."

Firefighters at RAF Shrivenham have been travelling to Bosnia to share their skills for many years and have started doing the same in Iraq.

"I expect Bosnia is now where Iraq will be in a few year's time, and it's good to have the opportunity to help the country back on its feet," added Kevin, who lives in Stratton with his wife Heather and sons Paul and Craig.

Kevin's tour of duty will begin on Tuesday, when he flies from Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

From there he will go to Zagreb in Croatia before travelling on to Banja Luca, his Bosnian base for the next three months.

But Kevin's friends aren't letting him go without marking the occasion.

Friend and Rat Trap landlord Mark Richardson said: "We're giving him some Arkell's 3Bs beer to put fire in his belly for the months ahead."

Andy Tate