A FIREFIGHTER received a shock when a routine breathing apparatus exercise turned into a surprise ceremony to mark his 40 years' service.

Charlie Williams, from Burford, was asked to wear his gas mask during a training scenario at Burford School Hall and entered the building to rapturous applause from 75 guests.

The 62-year-old is Oxfordshire's longest serving firefighter and admitted he had been left in the dark over the plan.

He said: “It was an amazing surprise.

"Even my family kept the secret plan from me. I do this wonderful job because I enjoy making a difference to the local community.

"I haven’t been counting the years, so to discover I’d reached 40 was nearly as big a shock as the ceremony."

Mr Williams joined Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in February 1979 and became watch manager at Burford a decade later.

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The on-call firefighter manages a team of 15, getting about three calls each week.

He has attended several major incidents, including a fire that gutted the Bull Hotel in Burford in 1982, and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2016 for his services to the community.

At last week's ceremony, Mr Williams was presented with a glass plaque, and malt whisky in a commemorative case.

He said: “I want to thank everyone from fellow firefighters to friends and business colleagues.

"But my biggest tribute is to my wife Helen, and my daughters Katie and Rebecca.

“When we sit at the meal table, go shopping, or enjoy an evening socialising; we know our plans could be disrupted at any moment by a message on my emergency pager.

“We’ve come to expect these short notice interruptions, but I never take my family’s understanding and support for granted. Thank you, Helen Katie and Rebecca.”

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Simon Furlong, chief fire officer for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Charlie’s dedication has been unwavering over four decades.

“Being an on-call firefighter is rewarding, but needs a 24/7 commitment. Charlie is an inspiration to everyone in the team; a fantastic role model.”

Visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oncallfirefighters or email fire.recruitment@oxfordshire.gov.uk