A FORMER fire chief of more than 50 years has celebrated his landmark 90th birthday.

Stanley Pilkington, from Darwen, had his special day marked with family and firefighters coming to see him at a party thrown at White Ash Brook care home in Oswaldtwistle.

Mr Pilkington worked at Belgrave Mill fire station in Darwen from the age of 15 until he retired at 65.

He worked his way up through the ranks of the fire service, serving in roles such as safety manager before becoming chief fire officer.

Staff and management at White Ash Brook worked with two of Mr Pilkington’s daughters to arrange the celebration.

Mr Pilkington, who had the celebration on Tuesday ahead of the big day on Wednesday, has Lewy body disease, but his family said he had a wonderful day.

Daughter Glenda Pilkington, from Sabden, said: “He was a fabulous at home and the most amazing dad.

“The day has just been amazing, the staff have been fabulous, I can’t thank them enough.

“Stanley has loved it all, he realises what’s been going on, it’s amazing.

“Just look at him, he is an amazing man.”

“His job was his life.”

Firefighters from Accrington attended to give the father-of-four gifts to mark the special occasion.

Daughter Anita Dunston, 64, said: “He loved the day.

“He absolutely loved his job. If he didn’t have to retire he wouldn’t have done, he wanted to keep going.

“He went along once or twice a week even after he retired just to see everyone one.”

Professional singer Paul Scholey provided entertainment on the day, after stepping in last minute due to the original entertainer cancelling.

The birthday boy got to his feet to dance, with other residents and staff also joining in.

Mr Pilkington has eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and was a ‘loving husband’ to wife Kathleen before she died.

Leanne Gorton, manager at White Ash, took over the position at the start of the year and wanted to celebrate the occasion with Mr Pilkington.

She said: “We wanted to make it extra special for Stanley and really celebrate it.

“He is basically a local hero.

“It was nice to see so many people come out and celebrate with him, both family and residents.”

Hyndburn Mayor Cllr Peter Britcliffe also attended to pay tribute to the former firefighter.

He said: “He’s a great man.

“It’s fantastic to have been able to come along and celebrate with him and his family.

“It is great to see so many people here, he’s put in years of service to help people.”