IT was an emotional night at Bridport fire station last week when two long serving firefighters hung up their helmets.

It wasn't just because between them Shaun Dearnley and Carl Stoodley have clocked up 44 years service.

It was because a family rescued in a fire seven years ago came to say their personal thanks.

Carl Stoodley has served 14 years and Shaun Dearnley 30 years. They were both presented with a certificate of service and a shield from the Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell.

Shaun's evening included a special surprise as he was presented his leaving present from the station by Martha and Merida Pearce who he led to safety in 2010 after the thatched roof of their family home caught fire.

They attended with their mother Caroline and the trauma teddies that they received that night - which they have kept.

Mrs Pearce, who works at the Jurassic Coast Trust, said: "It was such a pleasure to talk to him properly - he played such a crucial role on the night of our fire."

Mrs Pearch's friend Holly Sabin posted on Facebook to thank him too.

She said: "I don't live in Bridport but I'm a friend of Caroline Pearce and family. Thank you Shaun so much for helping them that horrible winter's night."

Their colleagues at Bridport Fire Station would like to wish Shaun and Carl all the very best for the future.