A Market Drayton man who served the town for more than 40 years as a firefighter has been recognised for his efforts with an MBE.
Mick Howe, 64, received the honour, in recognition of 42 years as a firefighter, including 24 as station manager, from the Queen at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
He said the news he was to receive an MBE had come as "a total surprise."
"The MBE was in recognition of the service I'd put in, and in recognition of running the station for 24 years as station manager.
"It was a complete surprise. I had a letter in November and you are not allowed to say anything to anyone. I thought it might have been someone winding me up, but then it came out in the New Years Honours list," he said.
Mr Howe, who retired in December last year, attended the ceremony last week alongside wife Susan and sons Nicholas, 37, and Christopher, 33.
He said the highlight of his work in Market Drayton was knowing he was helping protect the community.
"The best part of the job is helping the local community and the town. I was the first officer on the scene at Tern Hill some time ago when the IRA bombed the barracks, but the highlight is helping people.
"I am enjoying my retirement now though, it's nice to think my bleeper is not going to go off! We've got a caravan in Wales and we can go to it without me worrying about missing fire calls. Things move on in life and I'm enjoying what I'm doing now, just spending time with Sue and everything".
