by Nicola Jordan

Villagers in Halling turned out in force to say an emotional farewell to their firefighters after the 100-year-old station closed for the final time on Saturday.

Scores of families lined the streets cheering as the crew did a lap of honour in their engine, sirens blazing and blue lights flashing.

Children joined the procession on their scooters while others went to the pub to toast the firefighter friends they had grown up with.

Fittingly, among those to turn the key at the station in Vicarage Road for the last time was Daryl Palmer and his dad Mick who between them have been firefighting for 51 years.

A crowd erupted into rapturous applause as watch manager Mark Tickner, clearly overwhelmed with the turnout, said a few words.

Mr Tickner said: "Never in my wildest days did I dream of anything like this. I am completely blown away. It just says it all."

The farewell comes after Kent Fire and Rescue Service's decision to close the part-time station, despite strong opposition form people living in the area.Halling was one of seven to shut throughout the county as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

Mick Palmer, 64, said: "I feel very let down."

Son Daryl, 43, chairman of Halling Parish Council, is pressing for the building to be used by the community.

He said: "Whatever the political situation, it is a very sad day for us. The fight to keep it open is over but the battle continues to turn it into a place for the people who live here."

Daryl, who lives in Vicarage Close, has daughters Emily 16, Ellen, 14 and a son Jake, 12.

In the New Bell Inn, the pub where many of the crew enjoy a drink, the mood was sombre.

Fighting back tears, gran Sarah Hutson, 61, who has lived in the village all her life, said: "They were part of the village.

"In the classroom when the sirens started going we would peer out the window. It was so exciting and we would often run after them.

"How could this happen? It is so sad."Halling Fire Station, which opened in 1905, served the village for 107 years.