AFTER 31 years of service, a dedicated Bolton fireman has said goodbye.

Station manager Wayne Guffogg was joined by crews from Bolton North and Horwich for a heart-felt farewell.

Mr Guffogg has spent his entire working life as a member of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, serving both Bolton, his home town, and dealing with major incidents around the North West.

He said: "I've done this for 31 years. I joined after finishing school at 18, and it's been my whole adult working life.

"It's certainly hard to leave behind as it's part of who I am.

"I will definitely miss a lot of people, from the firefighters I was with on a day to day basis at the station, right up to more senior officers and the support staff who help us do our job."

The father-of-two, from Farnworth, joined his first station in Manchester Piccadilly after completing his training, working in the city centre.

He has worked at Farnworth, Bolton North and Atherton stations, and as station officer at Bolton Central and at the service head quarters in Swinton.

He served as station manager at Atherton and Hindley, before returning to closer to home four and a half years ago managing Bolton North and Horwich stations.

As well as attending fires that required up to 30 water pumps to tackle in the city centre, he was part of the teams which dealt with the fire which destroyed the Warfside flats in Wigan in June this year and July's tragic Bosley Mill explosion in Cheshire, which killed four people.

He said: "There have been so many incidents over the years, too many to list, but they all leave something with you, good as well as bad. There are some you would rather not recall, but it's part of what turns you into the professional you are.

"It will be hard not being part of the fire service anymore but retirement brings its own new challenges and opportunities."

Mr Guffogg was presented with a retirement gift from the crews and prepared for an emotional farewell to his team.

Colleague James Bracegirdle said: "Having been childhood friends with Wayne and then having him as my boss for the past 10 years, I can say he is a true gent and it has been a privilege to work alongside him.

"He has been one of the best officers I've worked with and I wish him all the best for the future."