FORMER fireman Guy Ledgard returned to his station 20 years after hanging up his boots.

The 75-year-old , a resident at Ingleby Care Home, relived his days as a White Watch Manager at Thornaby Fire Station.

Serving White Watch Manager Dave Bradshaw, and his team, welcomed Guy and thanked him for his 25 years of service.

When walking into the fire station the pensioner, who has dementia, said: “Memories, memories.”

He was joined on the visit by his wife, Christine. The couple recently celebrated their 50-year wedding anniversary and have three children and two grandchildren.

She said: “Guy really enjoyed the visit to the fire station, it was lovely to see old friends. I am over the moon with Ingleby care home, I couldn’t have picked a better place for Guy.”

Mr Ledgard joined the fire brigade in 1973 after serving in the Navy.

He started work at Thornaby Fire Station when it opened two years later, covering Middlesbrough, Billingham and Newton Aycliffe. He retired in 1998.

Activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home Kirsty Walsh said: “It was such a pleasure to see Guy with all the men at the station.”