ONE of Bidford’s longest serving firefighters is moving on after dedicating more than three decades to the village.

Watch manager Brian Wilkes joined Warwick County Fire Brigade on October 26, 1979, at the tender age of 18 after pursuing a childhood dream of becoming a firefighter.

He initially served at the old fire station in Icknield Street before moving to the current station in Bramley Way in 1983. He was the last serving firefighter to have worked at Icknield Street.

Over 31 years, he has served with 43 Bidford firefighters and held the ranks of firefighter, leading firefighter and sub officer in charge of the station, before becoming watch manager.

The 49-year-old was also among the crew who attended 36 call outs in 36 hours during the July 2007 floods.

The father-of-two will now spend his time concentrating on his gardening business.

“I’ve done the garden at the station for the past 10 years and we’ve won something every year,” said the Tower Close resident.

“I liked going out and helping people, and being with the lads – we have a good laugh.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone I’ve worked with over the past 31 years. It’s been a pleasure working with all the people I have been working with.”

Crew manager Mike Franklin said: “Brian’s experience and humour will be sorely missed by all at Bidford Fire Station. He also maintained the award-winning gardens at the station using his own plants and unpaid time.”

He added: “All at Bidford Fire Station wish him well for the future and thank him for all his hard work on behalf of the station and for the community of Bidford and Warwickshire.”

Brian was presented a statue by the station’s young firefighters and operational firefighters at the Bidford Young Firefighters awards evening to mark his 31 years service, and also received a pair of cut glass goblets and a certificate from Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service.