A LAKE District fireman has followed in his father's footsteps after receiving the same service award at the same station his dad did 30 years ago.

Andrew Millray, station manager at Windermere Fire Station, grew up watching dad, Richard, rush off at the sound of a siren and always wanted to emulate him.

This year, after 22 years as a firefighter, he received a letter from Home Secretary Theresa May informing him that he was to receive a 20 years of service and good conduct medal. His dad was awarded the very same honour in 1986.

Andrew Millray, 42, was delighted to collect his award.

"It was good. It was nice to get recognised for all the years' service," he said. "I grew up to the sound of a fire siren and a bell going off and I used to watch my dad going off.

"I started trying to get in to the service when I was 17 and eventually got in when I was 21. I'm now the longest serving at Windermere."

Richard Millray, 72, has long been retired now, but he recalls being at Windermere station when his son was first trying to enrol.

"I was very proud," he said. "It took some getting him in but we managed it in the end.

"But it was really good, I'm really proud, all the family was here and they all saw it. It was really good."

Andrew has seen plenty of action in his years of service.

"The hardest thing is dealing with the tragedies and the fatalities," he said.

"I once turned up to a road traffic accident and it turned out to be my best friend who had just dropped me off an hour earlier.

"He'd been hit head on by a drunk driver."