Shropshire firefighters boosted the Shrewsbury Mayor’s charity appeal to buy defibrillators for schools by carrying a ladder to the top of Snowdon.

It was a “thank you” from Red Watch to Ioan Jones, the unassuming mayor, who works as a cleaner at Shrewsbury Fire Station inbetween a packed schedule of public commitments and voluntary efforts.

Crew Manager Dave Allen said: “You don’t expect the mayor to be cleaning your fire station. He’s a lovely bloke. Nice to chat to and he’s done so much for the community.”

Shropshire firefighters paraded in front of their fire stations to mark the first annual Firefighters Memorial Day to remember the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who died in the line of duty.

With flags at half mast, firefighters from wholetime fire stations at Telford, Wellington and Shrewsbury observed a minute’s silence along with colleagues from across the UK.

Officers in charge read out the Firefighters' Prayer written in the last century by an unknown author in the ceremonies held at midday on Thursday, May 4th this week. (see prayer below) (document attached)

Shropshire firefighters from fire stations at Telford Central, Wellington, Shrewsbury and Market Drayton will parade in front of their fire stations at midday on Thursday, May 4th, to mark the first annual Firefighters Memorial Day.

With flags at half mast, firefighters will observe a minute’s silence along with firefighting colleagues from across the UK to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Officers in charge will then read out the Firefighters' Prayer.

A firefighter who is one of three generations of the same family to serve at Whitchurch Fire Station is to retire at the end of March after a 37 year career with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Postman Graham Field (55) was inspired to join the fire service as an on call firefighter to follow in the footsteps of his father Eric who had a 23 year firefighting career.

His son Matt also joined 11 years ago.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is appealing for the public’s help to join the fight against criminals who deliberately set fires in the county as part of Arson Awareness Week.

“Fire crime” can have devastating effects with sometimes serious consequences and added cost to the public purse, said Guy Williams, Group Manager in charge of Prevention and Protection for the county.

He is appealing to people to help prevent arson by putting bins out of sight and away from property, not leaving skips full of rubbish and reporting flytips to councils.