A POPULAR Ilminster firefighter has attended his last shout after 32 years' service.

Crew manager at Ilminster Fire Station, Barry Paull retired from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service on Monday (June 28).

However, any plans for a relaxed farewell shift were soon scuppered as the crew helped tackle flash flooding in Chard after torrential rainfall.

A spokesperson for the station said: "Barry will be sorely missed by the current and former crew members at Ilminster.

"To serve in such a professional and enthusiastic manner after all those years is a credit to Barry as a person and a firefighter.

"As Barry and his incredibly supportive family will know by now, life on call is rarely easy to plan, and unfortunately Barry's farewell parade was disrupted by our crews being mobilised to the Chard flooding.

"This won't be our final farewell, as we aim to give Barry the goodbye he deserves when restrictions allow, so until next time, thanks for all you've done Barry."