Firefighters hold surprise party

A man who has visited the fire station near his house every week since he was four years old has been thrown a surprise birthday party by firefighters.

Stuart McLaughlan has been attending his town’s fire station on a weekly basis for almost five decades and has an outstanding knowledge of the service’s history.

Stuart, from Kilmarnock, was astonished when he made his regular visit last Thursday, only to walk into a surprise bash to mark his 50th.

As part of his special day, he enjoyed a ride in a 1970s fire engine and was presented with gifts including an engraved plaque marking his milestone age.

Stuart’s support worker Isabella Barton, who attended the celebration, said: “This was a very touching and emotional event.

“It was above and beyond the call of duty for the fire service.

“These visits really bring out the best in Stuart because he has a fantastic mind and he passes on all his knowledge to his peers.

“He is also aware of fire safety messages which he also extends to his friends.”

He enjoys a roll and sausage with his firefighter friends before watching them train. And Stuart has also been given his own uniform and assists crews when they clean their fire engines.

Station manager Paul Storrie said: “People associate us with fighting fires but we do so much more than that.

“We also sit at the very heart of our communities through our partnership networks, and, of course, our valued friends.

“Stuart is without doubt one of our very great friends and it was a pleasure and a privilege to mark this special occasion.

“He has a breathtaking knowledge of our history and we are only too happy to welcome him.

“Stuart brightens up our day every week he visits.”

Stuart McLaughlan at the wheel of a fire appliance