Halstead has been remembering tales from the career of a longserving fireman after he retired earlier this year.

Station officer Peter Robertson hung up his helmet in January after 30 years at Halstead Fire Station.

As well as the town’s chief firefighter, Peter was and still is a great supporter of Halstead and its community and people have rushed to share their fond memories of his work.

Trish Harris reflected on when, in June 2012, her uncle, Maurie Norman, who was in ill health, was taken on a trip down memory lane to Halstead Fire Station.

Maurie used to be a firefighter and taught Peter when he was a novice.

The family were equally touched when the men from the station, led by Peter, attended Maurie's funeral a few months later, forming a guard of honour and bringing one of the fire engines too.

See the Gazette for the full story