A Maldon firefighter has received a fire service Special Award for serving the town's community for 45 years.

Maldon Fire Station's Watch Manager Martin Cable has received the award at an annual presentation of long service medals, held online for the first time in its history, due to the pandemic. The presentation honours those who have given more than 20 years' service, with special awards going to those who have served for more than 40 years.

Martin was one of just two firefighters across the whole of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to be recognised for 45 years of service.

The recognition comes just a month after Martin was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's New Year honours list.

Martin, 63, who also works as a milkman, started out with the local fire service at just 18 years of age. The local hero provides 120 hours of fire cover every week to come to the rescue of those needing help.

On learning that he had been awarded the New Year honour, Martin said: "It has been a great privilege to serve my local community for all these years and I feel really privileged to have been recognised in this way.

"Not many people can say they've served as a firefighter for 45 years but I've enjoyed it and still do - there's definitely a few years of firefighting left in me yet."

On presenting Martin's latest award, Chief Fire Officer Jo Turton said:

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"These awards are one of the highlights of my year and I am so pleased that although the restrictions meant that we couldn't meet in person we could still celebrate and pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of our employees.

"This is the first year we have hosted the Long Service awards online, but nothing was going to stop us celebrating the achievements of employees - especially during a year in which so many have gone above and beyond their role to help keep our communities safe.

"I am so incredibly proud of the achievements of all of our colleagues who have completed such exemplary service to our communities. Hearing about their individual journeys and what they have achieved throughout their career is truly inspiring."