NEWLY-appointed Barry Dixon is facing up to his first major challenge as the county's fire chief.

Mr Dixon (51), who lives in Whitefield, took up the post as head of Greater County Fire Service in March with preparations for the Commonwealth Games, starting in Manchester on July 25, already established.

Two months into his new role, he believes his first main task is to improve the communications from grass roots level to the senior command.

He said: "The firefighters on the front line are our greatest asset. They know what must change and what must be improved. I will listen to them and take on board their views to ensure they are cared for throughout their service."

Married with two teenage children, Jack (18) who is a student at Holy Cross College and Bury Church High School pupil Hannah (15), being chosen as the county fire officer was a dream that nearly did not come true.

Four years ago Mr Dixon was diagnosed with a mild form of multiple sclerosis but his determination to carry on doing the job he loved helped beat the disease.

He said: "After several years of tests doctors finally diagnosed MS and I thought, as far as my career was concerned, that would be the end of it.

"However, there are several levels of MS and I am fortunately enough to have a mild form.

"However, it has not stopped me doing my job and I am thankful for that. It also shows to others that being an MS sufferer does not necessarily mean your life comes to a grinding halt."

With 41 stations throughout the county under his command, Mr Dixon, who joined the fire service in 1967, hopes that he will visit them all to meet the crews who have made Greater Manchester Fire Service one of the best in the world.

He said: "Each station has four watches, so it will take a while to meet all the crews.

"In the meantime, we have the Commonwealth Games coming up in July and August and systems will be in place to deal with emergency situations should any arise."

Mr Dixon's second-in-command is also a new face to the highest echelons of the county brigade.

The deputy county fire officer is Mr Tony Proctor who took up his new appointment on April 1.

Mr Proctor, from Bolton, has served in Greater Manchester since 1975, holding a range of posts.