NIGEL Macmahon, crew manager at Skipton Fire Station, has hung up his helmet for the final time after 25 years.

He joined North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service as a volunteer firefighter at Grassington in 1986 before transferring to Skipton in 1989.

After a short time away from the fire service, Nigel returned in 1996 and has served the town of Skipton and surrounding areas as a retained firefighter ever since.

He received a long service and good conduct medal for his services in April.

Watch manager Martyn Hughes, of Skipton Fire Station, said: “I would like to personally thank Nigel for his enormous contribution to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue over the 25 years. Nigel, a reliable and jovial character, has always tackled challenging and sometimes extremely emotional situations head on and he has made a major difference to our communities over the years.

“I would also like to thank Nigel’s wife, Sam, and his two daughters Hannah and Katy, who have always been supportive of the commitment required to be a retained firefighter. Without the support of our friends and families we could not provide the professional and reliable service we aim to achieve."

If you are interested in becoming a retained firefighter at Skipton, Settle, Bentham or Grassington, visit northyorksfire.gov.uk or call in to your local station for details.