FIREFIGHTERS lined up in a guard of honour to pay tribute to a much-loved and popular Radcliffe fire officer who died in a car accident.

A vintage fire engine led the cortege to Crompton Way fire station on Friday morning, where a service was held for sub-officer Peter Stephenson.

He was killed in a car crash in France just weeks before his retirement.

Maroons rang out as a guard of honour saluted the cortege when it approached the station where Mr Stephenson, aged 49, had worked for more than 10 years of his 30-year career.

He was in charge of Green Watch and was due to retire last month. More than 100 mourners crowded into the station to pay their respects.

The service, which was non-religious and intended to be a celebration of Mr Stephenson's life, began with one of his favourite songs: "On Days Like These", by Matt Monro.

Then the hymn "Abide With Me" was sang before friends and colleagues shared their memories and read poems in tribute to their lost friend.

They said Mr Stephenson loved the fire service and was at his happiest after an incident had gone well.

Firefighter Mark Bayley said "Pete truly belongs to us all and it is hard to think he will not be around anymore".

"He will be immortal by the way we remember him," said Mr Bayley. "He would not have wanted sadness today, though it's hard not to be sad.

"Pick out a happy memory and share it over a pint or two later."

The Fireman's Prayer was read, along with other poems including Do Not Stand By My Grave and Weep.

Other friends paid tribute to Mr Stephenson's generosity, his work for charity, his love of his wife Shan.

All said he was a most professional fire officer who was dedicated to his job.

The service was followed by committal at Overdale Crematorium.

Mr Stephenson, who lived in Radcliffe, was on holiday with his wife in November when his car was involved in a crash with a lorry near Calais.

Mrs Stephenson, who works in the control room at the fire brigade headquarters in Swinton, was not seriously injured in the crash.

She has spent 27 years in the fire service and was due to retire at the same time as her husband. They had been considering moving to France.