The High Sheriff of Wiltshire visited Swindon and Westlea fire brigades to gain an insight into how the fire service functions.

High Sheriff Robert Lawton only holds the post for a year, so he took the opportunity to find out about fire safety.

Val Hampshire, spokeswoman for Wiltshire Fire Brigade headquarters in Trowbridge, said: "Mr Lawton was very interested in our work, especially our efforts in community fire safety. He congratulated us on our skills and our experience."

Mr Lawton went on to Brookfield School where he observed efforts to teach children about fire safety. Afterwards, he visited the brigade's control and training centre in Devizes.

He said he was delighted with his visit to Swindon: "I was so impressed with the dedication of the fire service.

"The fire brigade is just like a big family and I detected a super atmosphere among the group. It was good to see the hard work which is invested in fire prevention education."