A Romsey firefighter has been recognised for 40 years of service - but he will not be hanging up his helmet and hose anytime soon.

Firefighter David Holloway, 59, of Mountbatten Avenue, was honoured by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for four decades of service last week.

L to R Firefighter David Holloway,  59, with his wife, Healthcare Assistant Emma Holloway, 46 and Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin (Image: Emma Holloway) At a ceremony held at Romsey Fire Station on Tuesday, December 10, David was presented with the award by Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin.

David said: "Well, it's an achievement, obviously! I'm very proud to have done it and to be carrying on. I'm very grateful the chief fire officer attended."

The firefighter said he was "kidnapped"  by Romsey Fire Station at 19 when he was looking for a job and walking past.

Despite years spent wedded to keeping Romsey's townsfolk safe, the veteran does not have any plans to retire.

He said: "As long as I'm fit enough and healthy enough to do the job I'll carry on as long as I can."

David said he was able to choose how he was awarded and wanted the ceremony to take place at the Romsey station.

The retained firefighter is no stranger to honours, having been recognised for his service at 20, 30 and 35-year milestones.

He was also the recipient of medals to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden and Diamond Jubilees, as well as King Charles III's coronation.

David's wife, healthcare assistant Emma Holloway, said none of their four children would become firefighters.

"There's enough worry with him doing it," the 46-year-old said.

Emma said she was very proud of David's achievement but commented life being married to a firefighter involves sacrifice: "It's not been easy at times especially when our children were little and we were about to go out for family days out, or family events and his pager would go off.

"Plans changed or, often, I ended up going on my own with our four children - now 24, 23, 21 and 18 years old."

She continued: "Sometimes there were tears when they wanted Daddy to come out with us, but his commitment and dedication meant he had to attend calls."