AFTER 47 years of service, Bere Alston firefighter Phillip Maddaford has retired from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Phillip joined the station aged 18 on July 29, 1969, while working at a local nursery and has given continuous service until July 29, 2016. Philip has attended many incidents and helped countless number of people in the local community and wider area in his time with the service.

He was presented with a certificate and shield marking his wonderful 47 years’ service. He has also been invited by the chief fire officer to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service awards ceremony in September.

He will receive the Devon and Somerset Medal, which is only presented at the chief fire officer’s discretion in recognition of his commitment and length of service.