LAST week marked 15 years' service for a popular firefighter based at Tadley Fire Station.

On Wednesday, April 7, the Tadley team posted on social media in celebration of the milestone for CM Gary Blackman.

They wrote: "This week marks 15 years service with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for CM Gary Blackman here at Tadley.

"A fantastic commitment to the community and the service. Congratulations."

Friends and colleagues added their well wishes.

Fellow firefighter Dave Graham commented: "Well done Gary been a pleasure working with you. Great achievement keep on going mate!"

Meanwhile, group commander Ryan Thurman wrote: "Well done mate! Awesome, thanks".

At the start of the month, two fire services combined to create the new Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS).

The two preceding services worked incredibly closely over the last five years, but the combined team will now work across 61 stations, keeping nearly two million residents safe.