A firefighter who has worked in Richmond for 30 years will retire next week.

Peter Shaw, a red watch firefighter, joined the service just before the show London's Burning became a hit on television.

He said: "It started about a year or so after I joined and that made people more aware of the service and gain an interest in it."

The 51-year-old, from Guildford, said he will miss working in Richmond.

He said: "Working in Richmond borough has been one of the highlights because it is such a nice place.

"I go for a run every day in Richmond Park before work which is a nice way to start my working day."

Mr Shaw, who started his career as a firefighter aged 21, said there have been tough times on the job.

He said: "We have had jobs over the years that have been a bit distressing but you manage to keep with it.

"When I first joined we had a big gas blast in Putney and a couple of people died. That really stuck with me.

"I asked myself the other day why did I join and I think I just wanted something where it wasn't a normal day-to-day routine and I have absolutely loved it."

The father-of-three, who will work his last shift on December 10, will start a renovation project and help his wife with her florist business.

He said: "My family are looking forward to me being home more.

"It is my time to leave now, it is a young man's job."

 

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