AWARDS for 20 years dedicated service have been presented to three local firefighters.

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Major John Abbott, presented the Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medals on behalf of the Queen to Temporary Assistant Divisional Officer Kevan Whitehead, leading firefighter David Winstanley and firefighter Gordon Stansfield.

ADO Whitehead joined the fire service in 1978 and after initial training was posted to Bury fire station. In 1982 he was promoted to leading firefighter and posted to Rochdale and the following year he was made a sub officer and moved to Sale.

Eleven years ago he was appointed station officer at Leigh fire station before moving to fire service headquarters in 1996 where he serves in the training section.

Leading firefighter Winstanley also joined the brigade in 1978 and has served at Wigan and Hindley fire stations before being promoted to his current rank in 1986 and moving to Atherton station.

Firefighter Stansfield joined in the same year and after completing his initial training he was posted to Farnworth Fire Station where he continues to serve.

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