BURY man Brian Jones fulfilled a burning ambition this week - when he became a firefighter for a day!

The 40-year-old, who works at the town's Tesco store, swapped trolleys for tenders when he donned full fireman's kit and joined officers of Bury fire station's White Watch.

And he also enjoyed the thrill of being able to accompany firefighters on one call out - albeit a false alarm - while also undertaking training exercises.

It was a dream come true for Brian, of Raven Street, Bury, who has had harboured a long-term interest in the fire service.

As a special treat for Brian's 40th birthday, which he celebrated last month, officers sorted out insurance and other paperwork to enable them to invite him to become a fireman for a day.

Station Officer Paul Myerscough, who heads White Watch, said: "We've known Brian for the past ten years and he's really adopted our watch. He pops in regularly to see us and seems to know when we're on. We'll have a brew with him and also find him something to do in the fire station if we can.

"Brian is absolutely mad about the fire service and is known to all of us down here as Fireman Jones. He's also got a fantastic memory. We were delighted to give him the invitation to join us. It's something that the brigade itself encourages and Brian was the ideal candidate. He was our 12th man' on Tuesday."

Commenting on how the new "recruit" had enjoyed his stint, Station Officer Myserscough added: "He had the time of his life. He had a fantastic day. Unfortunately, we only had one call out."

However, Brian was able to take part in simulated rescues using an aerial hydraulic platform and breathing apparatus as well as cutting equipment to remove the roof from a car at a local scrapyard.

At the end of his nine-hour shift, Brian said: "I've had a marvellous time. I've really enjoyed it. I believe it's very important to see how firefighters do their job and I wanted to know what it entailed. It's always been my ambition to help firemen and I enjoy coming down here.They are always good to me. I feel the fire brigade has a lot to offer."