STEVE Benson is looking forward to spending more time at his Spanish holiday home having served as a fireman in Swindon for 25 years.

The 54-year-old, from Stratton, wants to spend more time at the venue near Malaga, but must wait until his wife, Julie, 53, also retires.

Steve said: "I am looking forward to the warm weather and relaxed lifestyle in Spain. But we can only really make the most of it when Julie, a fraud investigator, stops work in seven years."

In the meantime Steve is learning Spanish and lecturing at New College. Staying in touch with his fire service comrades will also be top priority.

He was allowed to dismiss a parade of 20 firefighters at a special ceremony to mark his retirement at the Swindon central fire station in Drove Road yesterday.

Afterwards, he said: "This has been the best job in the world. More than just colleagues, many of my workmates are friends for life."

The former Navy engineer and pub landlord says nothing beats the tremendous team spirit of going on watch.

Fondly regarded among his firefighting fellows, Steve is known as a "real character."

Retired officer John Payne has known him since he arrived at Swindon Fire Station 24 years ago. He said: "He was a joy to work with and always the brunt of jokes. We found it hilarious that a former sailor was constantly sea sick when we went on our annual trip to Belgium."

Station officer Brian Gray was more reluctant to divulge embarrassing work tales because he is retiring soon.

But he did recall Steve being on a training day 15 years ago and declaring: "I'm too old for this."

Steve's sons, Paul, 28, and Mark, 25, were less reticent in revealing amusing anecdotes.

Paul, from Nythe, said: "He loved his job and was always game for a laugh. Once he parked too close to a fire and the engine lights melted. It made an unfortunate but funny accident."

Besides fulfilling his duties on watch, Steve acted as union secretary for more than 10 years.

Dedicated to sorting out other people's problems, fire crews jokingly gave him plastic phones because he was always receiving calls.

Assistant division officer John Popowicz said: "Steve played rugby but once dressed up as a geisha. Steve would have a go at anything and will be sorely missed by us all."