RETIRED firefighters from Tavistock are now gathering around three times a year to reminisce — and they are inviting more former retained members to take part in the reunions.

The group of approximately 20, with a combined total of more than 300 years of service, started their reunions earlier this year.

Their last one was in October and the next one is planned for around Christmas time.

Around eleven members from the group also met up on Remembrance Sunday and were part of the parade at Tavistock War Memorial with serving retained Tavistock firefighters.

Chris Neale, a former officer in charge of Tavistock Fire Station who served for 36 years and was officer in charge for eleven years, said: 'Around 20 of us now meet every three to four months for a chat and a pint and talk about old times in the service, as well as enjoying a bite to eat — we talk about old times and have a great deal of banter and it's good to meet old friends.

'One person even said to me that "it was just like old times".

'I retired eleven years ago and there are many who I hadn't seen in those eleven years and some I probably hadn't seen for 15 to 20 years.

'We hope to meet in Christmas time and have a nice catch up.'

If any former firefighters would like to attend the reunions contact Mr Neale on 01822 615332 or Fred Phillips, who was a retained firefighter in Tavistock for 30 years, on 07715 143271.