A firefighter has hung up his hose for the final time after 35 years service.
Terry Baines has been fighting fires in the Maidstone area for more than three decades, based at Maidstone Fire Station in Loose Road.
Terry, 53, started working there in January 1976, after joining Kent Fire and Rescue Service, (previously Kent Fire Brigade), in August 1975, aged 18.
Over the years he has attended thousands of jobs and says he’s going to miss his crew members and the job but feels it is the right time to go.
Terry, from East Farleigh, said: “I’ve fought many fires over the years, but the one I’ll always remember was years ago when Maidstone Museum went up in flames. In firefighting terms, it was a good fire to be at.”
Now he has climbed his last ladder, Terry intends to work as a gardener a few days a week.
His crew members played a few tricks on him before he left and during his last night at the station last week , he could not find his bed.
He added: “The lads hid my bed and they covered my car with balloons and graffiti in the morning.
“Our former cook came back to cook us breakfast on my last shift - it was great.”
Terry will officially celebrate his retirement with a party at the station on Friday, February 4, where he will be joined by past and present colleagues.