It was the end of an era this week when firefighters moved into a new station.

But they haven’t gone far. The new building is right next door to the old one in Watling Street, Chatham.

On its last night of operation on Monday, the station welcomed back around 40 former firefighters for a reunion.

Among them was Peter Manning, who served for 33 years and was part at red watch at Medway fire station from 1969 to 1992.

He said: “We spent the evening looking at photographs, reminiscing about old times and catching up. It was lovely to see everyone.”

Medway Fire Station opened at noon on September 11, 1953. It received its first call at 3.07pm to attend a fire at Institute Road, Chatham. It went on to become the busiest station in the county.

Chatham crew manager Kev Chapman said: “The reunion gave them the opportunity to say a final farewell to the old station and talk about fond memories of their time working in the Medway towns, serving the local community and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.”

Mr Manning said: “I’ve got some fantastic memories of my time at the station and it was nice to go back. But it was quite sad too, it is the end of an era.

More memories of Medway Fire Station in the Medway Messenger tomorrow (Friday).