'FIRE hero' Andy Carter is retiring next week after almost 30 years as a firefighter, serving his whole career at one station.

The 53-year-old was first stationed in Bradford at the age of 26, and never left - helping to tackle some of the biggest fires in the city during that time.

Mr Carter featured on the front pages of the Telegraph & Argus in August 1995 under the headline 'Fire Heroes' after he and a colleague were trapped in a burning school.

The pair were rescued unhurt after an explosion at the former St Blaise Middle School, Rooley Lane, cut off their only means of escape.

He told the Telegraph & Argus that he had wanted to be a firefighter from the age of ten following a visit to his local fire station. But it was not until the age of 26 that he actually realised his dream.

"I went to training school which was the worst three months of my life - it was like a boot camp. The only thing that kept me there was that I would have to go on the dole if I left," he said.

"But I thought I was the luckiest man alive when I was stationed to Bradford - it was like I had won the lottery.

"Bradford was the busiest station and the jewel in the crown - and I've never had any reason to leave it. I've never gone for promotion - I just wanted to do the job."

He said the biggest fire he had attended was at Allied Colloids in Low Moor, in 1992, where hundreds of firefighters attended to tackle the chemical plant blaze.

The father-of-two, of Sorrin Close, Idle, is now looking forward to catching more Bradford City games as his shift patterns as a firefighter meant he could not always attend matches.

One of his proudest moments on the job has been organising the fire service's attendance at the annual commemorations for the Bradford City fire disaster which claimed 56 lives 30 years ago.

Of the job itself, he added: "It's the best job in the world - the camaraderie, the team work and the way the guys get together to fight a major fire is awesome.

"There will definitely be a tear in my eye when its time for me to leave next week."

Watch manager Simon Moore praised Mr Carter, saying: "It's a big loss, not only to Bradford Blue Watch, but West Yorkshire Fire Service as a whole. Andy has served the city amazingly well over the last 27 years.

"He's spent his whole career at the same station, and is one of a few firefighters within the county to have done this.

"As an officer in charge, to look to the right and see Andy driving, you know he's going to get you there, with his local knowledge and experience."