Firefighter Phil Bowen, of Pembroke Dock Fire Station, is hanging up his helmet for the last time and retiring after over 40 years of service.

Phil, who joined what was then Dyfed County Fire Service as a temporary firefighter at the tender age of 19 in 1974, has uniquely spent almost his whole career working out of the same fire station serving the community of Pembroke Dock.

On his retirement, Phil said: "I've had a brilliant time over the last 40 years. It's a job I love and I'll miss it very much."

"There have been some challenging times over the years with a number of major maritime and oil refinery incidents, but it's the people I'll miss the most."

Clr. Wynne Evans, of the fire authority, who attended Phil's last day celebrations with the service, said: "I have had the honour of knowing Phil for well over 30 years. He will be greatly missed, not just for his professionalism, but he is also a larger than life character. On behalf of the community of Pembroke Dock and the county, I wish him a long and happy retirement."