FIREfighter Mervyn Ricks is adapting to a new style of life after retiring after 20 years' service.

The father-of-two has had to step down from the Wiltshire Fire Brigade after reaching the age of 55.

On Monday Wiltshire's Chief Fire Officer Neil Wright, who himself retires in December, went to Marlborough Fire Station to present Mr Ricks with a certificate recording his long service.

Mr Wright said that because of the nature of the job and the unpredictable hours, retained firefighters depended on the support of their families.

The fire chief mentioned Mr Ricks' two children, Matthew and Abigail, and said: "I would not be surprised if over the last 20 years they have not seen too much of their father because of his commitment to the fire brigade."

Bus driver Mr Ricks was accompanied at the farewell presentation by his wife Mary, who is an assistant in a Marlborough supermarket.

Mr Wright said that Mr Ricks had once had the call that every firefighter dreads, one to his own home but fortunately for just a minor fire.

The fire chief said rural fire brigades like Wiltshire depended on the skill and dedication of their part time firefighters.

Referring to Mr Ricks' 20 years service, Mr Wright said: "He epitomises the dedication of the retained fire fighters."

Mr Ricks told his colleagues: "I would like to thank you all for your help over the years I have been here."