A New Malden firefighter who hung up his helmet after 30 years last week, has said he is looking forward to relaxing with family during the Christmas period and not being on call.

Former manager Mark Feaver, 56, from Carshalton, has called it a day from saving people from burning buildings.

The father-of-five started his firefighting career in the 1980s in Wandsworth before moving to Wimbledon where he stayed for 21 years before getting promoted to his role in New Malden in 2010.

Mr Feaver said: "I have enjoyed every minute of it. I was in the ambulance service and fancied a change and though how about the fire service?

"And that was it. I just wanted to help people.

"But I am looking forward to spending some time with my family over Christmas."

He said his favourite part of the job was rescuing people from vehicle wreckages.

He said: "I get the most enjoyment out of wrecked cars – the reward is saving someone’s life or preventing further chaos.

"The people I work with – I trust them with my life. It is like a family. I will miss the boys and the camaraderie.

"Whoever takes over my lot has got nothing to worry about – they do their jobs 100 per cent.”

But Mr Feaver admitted on Friday the worst part about his old job was letting his loved ones down – especially at Christmas.

He said: "The worst thing is when you are expecting to finish at a certain time and you have got people sitting at home waiting for you.

"All the kids are waiting at home for you to open presents but then you get a job – I felt bad about that."

Mr Feaver said he would be celebrating his retirement at a get-together with all his firemen friends in January.