TAVISTOCK fire crew were joined by friends, family and special guests recently for an evening of celebrations, presentations and demonstrations.

Chief fire officer Paul Young presented longer serving members of the team, including former station officer Chris Neale, with the Queen?s Golden Jubilee Medal, while Tavistock mayor Norma Woodcock handed out special coins to mark the occasion.

And recent recruits Terry Cundy, John Matthews and Penny Symons were rewarded for passing their training course with certificates presented by Divisional Commander Chris Nelson.

The chief officer praised the dedication, hard work and commitment of the Tavistock crew, who recently earned the backing of the Fire Authority by having a new ?state-of-the-art? appliance based at the station.

The mayor said she was justifiably proud of the crew and thanked them on behalf of the people of the town. She extended her gratitude to their families and children for the sacrifices they made in supporting a ?wonderfully professional? team.

Following the presentations, fire kit was donned and the crews demonstrated several items of equipment carried on their new appliance.

A commentary to the display was provided by station officer Tony Clark, the safety co-ordinated by sub officers Tim Smith and Glen Arundel, and the three crews were led by leading firefighters Rob Turnock, Jim Sherrell and Simon Smith.

The evening was rounded off with a buffet and the families had a chance to chat with the visitors and show them around the station.