THE boss of a sign-painting firm is expanding his horizons - he's become a full-time firefighter. Tim Newman, 30, of Kings Road, Faversham, set up Signs & Graphics four-and-a-half years ago after seeing an advert in the paper for equipment.

Unemployed Mr Newman decided he would go for it. It worked and he managed to build up a strong customer base.

But, his dream always was to join the fire service. Two-and-a-half-years ago he joined Faversham's retained crew. Now he has managed to join full-time and proudly showed off his skills at Maidstone during a passing-out ceremony after 16 weeks of hard training.

"There's no other job like it. I'm quite a hands-on practical bloke I suppose and it's also service to the community," he said. He intends to continue his sign-painting company during his days off.

Mr Newman, originally from Gravesend, moved to Faversham six years ago to be with partner Emma Williams. He will be based at Ashford as part of Red Watch.