A FIREFIGHTER who has devoted 250,000 hours of his life over 40 years in the role has retired.

Andy Hillsdon has been serving in Campden for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service since the 1970s.

When he first joined the service Jim Callaghan was the Prime Minister, Abba were at number one in the charts and most of the current firefighters team at Campden hadn’t been born.

The astonishing feat of having been on standby for around 250,000 hours throughout his career is the equivalent of 28 years ready to respond to emergencies.

That works out as 10,416 days or over 166,600 football matches.

Community leaders from Chipping Campden and the surrounding parishes of Willersey, Mickleton, Ebrington and Weston-sub-Edge gathered at The Old Court Room in Chipping Campden to thank him.

Cllr Shaun Parsons, Chairman of Gloucestershire County Council, presented Mr Hillsdon with a certificate of appreciation and thanked him on behalf of the county council and the wider communities of Gloucestershire.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, local member for Camden Vale, said: “I am grateful that we’ve had the opportunity to thank Andy and the local crew at Chipping Campden for all the work they do to serve the local community.

“As both a resident and the local member, it gives me immense pride and peace of mind to know we have such a dedicated team protecting us.”

Andy Hermiston, deputy chief fire officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “You can’t underestimate the commitment it takes to devote such a long time to keeping residents safe.

“Andy is a credit to the fire service, and I would like to wish him all the best for the future as he enjoys his retirement.”