Ref. 27773-16Retiring leading firefighter Les Jefferies is no stranger to riding in a fire engine, sirens blaring and lights flashing.

But his colleagues at Swindon's Drove Road fire station ensured his last ride would be the most memorable of his 25-year career.

Dozens of firefighters clapped and cheered as Les climbed aboard a 1953 Dennis F12 engine, which they had booked specially to drive him home and into his retirement.

Before he finished his last day at work yesterday, Les or 'Inspector Gadget' as he is known by his friends due to his obsession with new inventions, said: "It has been quite a strange day knowing this is the last time I'll be coming to work.

"I've had highs and lows doing a tremendous job and I wouldn't change a thing.

"Chief Fire Officer Neil Wright asked me about my highlights over the years but it's too difficult to pinpoint a few things.

"I had the same dream most young boys have of joining the brigade. Everyday has been different. I have been involved in some of Swindon's major fires, such as Wises Bakery, in Headlands Grove, about 10 years ago.

"The big fires are spectacular with all the flames and smoke but often the worse ones are in houses, where families may be involved."

Les, of Westlea, is retiring 25 years to the day after joining the brigade, due to a knee injury he picked up during a rescue.

He said: "It was a couple of years ago and I was carrying a lady out of a house and my knee just popped."

Les, who is married to Heather, 43, and has a son Lee, 20, said: "One of the things I am most proud of in recent years was when the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust contacted me saying they had found a match for my bone marrow for a man in America.

"I joined the Trust in 1978 with other firefighters at the station. In April this year I went to the University College Hospital in London where bone marrow was extracted from my hipbone. All I've heard is that he is making good progress."

Sub officer Clive Hall said: "Les has been a very popular member of the brigade. He's always been very fit and still is which hacks everybody off."

Les said he has no definite plans for his retirement other than a holiday in the Dominican Republic over New Year and a trip to the Olympics, in Athens, with Heather next summer.

Les and his well-wishers were tonight continuing celebrations in the Savoy Hotel, in Swindon town centre.

Alex Emery