A Suffolk firefighter and dad-of-two who started his career after receiving a leaflet from the fire service is retiring after 33 years.

Adrian Mason finished his career at the Woodbridge Fire Station at the beginning of this year.

The 59-year-old said that it was not his childhood dream to become a firefighter, and he had never considered joining the service before getting a leaflet with the job offer.

He added: “In the mid-80s I was employed by Suffolk Coastal District Council, and one day I got a leaflet through the door saying that the Woodbridge fire station is looking for on call firefighters.

“I applied and got the job there. Once I joined, I got promoted to crew manager in 1994 and then became officer in charge in 1998.

East Anglian Daily Times: Adrian Mason and Julian Warth, Newsquest Adrian Mason and Julian Warth, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

“I’ve been serving at the Woodbridge Fire Station for 33 years in total.”

Mr Mason said that the biggest fire in his career happened at Center Parcs in Elveden in April 2002.

The Suffolk firefighter also joined a ship firefighting team and took part in many of their jobs over the years.

He said: “I remember flying out over Sealand off Felixstowe when there was a fire there.

“I also found it very interesting when a drone was introduced to our fire and police services. I was asked to be the chief pilot.”

Mr Mason added that the job is very rewarding and emphasised the importance of teamwork.

“It’s very satisfying to be a part of a team. Not only with the team at Woodbridge, but with other stations as well.

“That's an extremely important aspect of this job.”

After retiring from the fire service, Mr Mason is going to focus on his other job as an operational risk inspector.