FORMER Preston fireman John Dobbs is no stranger to head counts, but next year he will lead one for the whole of Central Lancashire.

John, from Fulwood, has been selected to lead the region's part in next year's census, a position he took up the day after retiring earlier this year.

As a member of the society of Genealogists, John, 52, has a natural enthusiasm for census records and has already traced his family roots as far back as the early 1700s.

John said: "I'm very pleased to have been chosen.

"I find it very interesting because of my work tracing my family and by working in the fire service I know the value of looking at population trends so we can plan things like schools, hospitals and emergency services."