ONE of the region's head firefighters who has battled blazes for 40 years is set to retire.

Chris Kenny, chief fire officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, announced plans this week to step down in April.

Mr Kenny has held the role since October 2012 after joining the county in 2000 before moving up the ranks to assistant chief fire officer in 2003.

He has led a number of major operations this year, including fighting the Winter Hill fire.

Speaking of his retirement, Mr Kenny said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support and company throughout the inevitable ups and downs that make up any Fire and Rescue Service career.

"At all levels it remains simply the best job there is, in the best service.

"That is to the credit of all the staff who every day give that bit extra despite the challenges we have faced and the savings we have had to make."

The Lancashire Fire and Rescue service are set to announce a successor for the chief fire officers role in due course.