A RETAINED firefighter with 26 years service retires this week.

Watch manager Jim France from Muirkirk Fire Station, officially stepped down on Wednesday after nearly three decades protecting local communities.

His colleagues and area manager, Jim Scott, gathered to extend their best wishes to him and his family for the future, saying they will miss Jim as a valued member of the unit.

Alan Coughtrie, station manager, added: “Jim’s 26 years as a member of the Fire and Rescue Service is an exemplar of the dedication and commitment provided by our retained colleagues in protecting our localcommunities.

“Jim’s professionalism and his contribution as a member at Muirkirk will be a loss to his unit but will leave behind colleagues who have benefited greatly from his experience.”

Muirkirk Community Fire Station is currently recruiting — visit www.myjobscotland.gov.uk or www.firescotland.gov.uk to make an application.