Burton Latimer firefighter Les hangs up his uniform after more than 40 years

A Burton Latimer firefighter has completed his final drill more than 40 years after he joined the service.

Watch commander Les Allen is hanging up his uniform, having first donned it in April 1979 after applying for a part-time post.

The 61-year-old retained firefighter, also a self-employed kitchen and bathroom fitter, officially retired yesterday (Tuesday).

His wife, Tracey, said: "When you have been there 40 years you're part of the furniture.

"It's all changed so much over the years and you just don't know what you're going to be called out for next.

"I keep saying to him 'are you sure?' and he said he is and is looking forward to retiring."

Over the years Les has been out to hundreds of jobs as part of a team of about a dozen crew members, playing lifesaving roles in house fires and crashes across the county.

Les said the fire service was like his second family.

More recently he spent hours helping those involved in floods which devastated the north of the county just before Christmas.

And as of yesterday morning his final job had been a unique one - going to help one of his own crew members after his shower sparked a bathroom blaze.

He's spent countless hours on call - often between 6pm and 7.30am each day and then all weekend - missing out on birthdays, Christmas and new year celebrations to help others.

Tracey added: "He's been so dedicated and worked so hard.

"There's been times where he's had to leave me to eat dinner on my own, or been out and had to leave me to go and help someone else."

Les is handing over the reins to Nick Gayton and, once Covid restrictions are lifted, will be able to spend more time with his daughters Rachel and Samantha and his four grandchildren.

It's also hoped that his retirement can be marked with a celebration when restrictions are eased.

Northamptonshire's chief fire officer Darren Dovey said: “Over the past 42 years, Les has helped so many people in his role as a firefighter and he can retire knowing that he has contributed so much to society and public service during his career.

“The dedication and commitment Les has shown throughout his career in Northamptonshire is amazing and I wish him a very happy and relaxed retirement.”

Les previously told the Northants Telegraph: "I don't know where the 40 years have gone, it doesn't seem like it's been that long."

And his daughter Rachel said: "His selfless attitude and caring ways, always putting others first, makes him the inspirational person he is today."