A FIREFIGHTER who has served the people of Bolton for 30 years hung up his boots after answering his last 999 emergency.

Dale Martin spent his career as a member of Blue Watch, Bolton North Fire Station, his local station, after joining the service on September 1, 1986.

Mr Martin, who lives in Astley Bridge, said he had been involved in many "different and diverse" incidents as well as community safety throughout his career.

Among the many rescues, he received a commendation for rescuing a family from an intense house fire.

Mr Martin, aged 54, lost a close friend and colleague while fighting a fire in 2003

Graham Hughes, aged 53, suffered a heart attack after putting out a blaze at Seven Acres Country Park, Breightmet, which was started deliberately. He died three days later.

Mr Hughes’ name was inscribed on London’s National Firefighters Memorial and a granite tribute to him hangs in his Bolton North Fire Station in Crompton Way.

Mr Martin said: "I will miss the camaraderie of the watch and the station.

"They are like an extended family to me."

Mr Martin's last emergency call out on the day of his retirement was a car fire involving a stolen Audi A3 in Back Darwen Road which had been used in a terrifying robbery on Friday.

The firefighter said that he is looking forward to retirement, spending more time with his family, especially his grandchildren — and watching his beloved Bolton Wanderers.

Colleague and friend, James Bracegirdle said: "He will be missed on the station.

"When I started 20 years ago we used to go watching football together and now he will not miss a Bolton Wanderers home game again."

He added: "Dale is known by many people, with teenagers still going up to him saying they remember when he did a talk at their primary school.

"Dale has been a true gentleman to fellow colleagues and the community."