FIREFIGHTERS have showed their love for cook Marie Fairbrother of Blackburn Fire Station by showering her with gifts - as well as her regular dose of friendly banter!

Marie, who has worked at the station on and off since 1986, was overwhelmed by the presents she received yesterday on her 60th birthday.

Firefighter Alex Wilson joked: "If we come into the station and can't smell burning, we know it is salad for dinner! But in all seriousness, Marie's cooking is great.

"It seems there is nothing that she wouldn't do for us.

"The firefighters do have a lot of banter with her, but it is all respectful."

Marie, of Colenso Road, Blackburn, was presented with roses, a number of bouquets of flowers, a gold locket, a watch and crystal sweet bowls. It was her reward for dutifully cooking whatever the firefighters have wanted during her shifts from 9am until 2pm over the years, while taking all the jokes and giving as good as the gets.

Marie, who also celebrated her 37th wedding anniversary yesterday and has two children and two grandchildren, said: "I was very surprised with all the gifts that I received. This job is very good for the banter that flies around.

"You have to have a good sense of humour to work here and take the stick and give it back. It is just teasing and good fun.

"Luckily enough I have never set anything on fire here - yet!"