A high ranking fire officer polished his boots and rolled up his hose for the final time last week when he retired after 30 years in the service.

Shaun Walton joined Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in August 1990, and transferred to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in November 2009.

After serving in the Ribble Valley, Preston and at service headquarters, he spent the final three years of his career as Group Manager, helping to keep Burnley, Rossendale and Pendle safe.

Over the years, GM Walton has attended a number of high profile incidents, including flooding, major fires and most recently the wildfires that affected large parts of the county.

Upon his retirement on Thursday, GM Walton said: "I’ve had the privilege of working over the last 30 years with fantastic and inspirational people, both within the fire and rescue service and our partner agencies, who have made my career serving the community enjoyable and worthwhile.

"I’ve also been fortunate enough to work internationally and nationally with various organisations to represent UK fire and rescue services so we can share learning and help to develop our prevention and response capability to prepare for large scale wildfires across the UK.

"I’m now looking forward to new challenges yet to be decided and to enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.

"And would I do it all again? Without a doubt."

Chief fire officer at LFRS, Justin Johnston said GM Walton had been instrumental to the service while remaining a dedicated fire officer.

He said: "Shaun has been a dedicated and professional fire officer since joining the service from Greater Manchester.

"He has been instrumental in helping set-up the burn team following the Winter Hill wildfire two years ago and his work with the National Fire Chiefs Council has helped UK fire and rescue services adapt to fighting wildfires more effectively.

"On behalf of everyone at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, we wish him all the best in his retirement."