MORE than four decades of service in Blandford came to an end for one firefighter this week.

On Monday (December 18), watch manager Phil Thomas took part in his final drill night after 42 years serving at Blandford fire station.

Phil joined the fire service in 1981, aged 21, and has served the community ever since “providing impeccable fire cover”, a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“We would like to thank Phil for the commitment he has given and for the skills he has taught us,” they added.

“Finally a big thank you to the ex firefighters that have worked with Phil over his long career for coming to the station to celebrate Phil’s retirement.”

Chief fire officer in Dorset and Wiltshire, Ben Ansell, was on hand to thank Phil for his service.

Phil with colleagues past and present at Blandford Fire Station