SWINDON firefighter Steve Benson has retired from Wiltshire Fire Brigade after more than 24 years' service.

Steve joined the Brigade in 1978 following a career in the Royal Navy and spent most of his career serving on different watches at Swindon and Stratton Fire Stations.

He was an instructor for the Pump Platform appliance based at Swindon and was also active with the brigade socially.

He was also involved with the Fire Brigade's Union.