FIVE employees of the North Wales Fire Authority working in Wrexham and Chirk have been honoured for their long service.

The Lord Lieutenant of Gwynedd, Professor Eric Sunderland OBE, presented Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, for 20 years service, to four uniformed personnel at a ceremony held at the New Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl, and Cllr Trevor Roberts, chairman of the North Wales Fire Authority, handed over a crystal gift and certificate to Andree Beaverstock, full-time cook at Wrexham Fire Station.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Smith said: 'Receiving a medal is an important occasion for every firefighter and this ceremony collectively represents more than 100 years of commitment and dedication to the Fire Service in North Wales.

'All recipients can take pride and satisfaction in receiving their Long Service and Good Conduct Medals or Long Service Awards.'

Andree joined the former Clwyd Fire Service in August 1983 as a cook at Wrexham Fire Station, transferring over to North Wales Fire Service in 1996. She has remained at Wrexham throughout her career.

Sub Officer Robert Thomas joined the Fire Service originally as a retained firefighter in July 1983 at Chirk Fire Station.

He was promoted to leading firefighter in June 1994, and then to sub officer in charge of Chirk Fire Station in October 1996.

Leading Firefighter Timothy Williams also joined as a retained firefighter at Wrexham Fire Station in December 1982, becoming a full-time fireman in January 1991.

He was promoted to leading firefighter in August 1998.

Firefighter James Roberts began his career as a retained firefighter at Wrexham in April 1982, changing to whole-time service in September 1983.

Firefighter David Plack joined the service in January 1983 and has served at Wrexham Fire Station throughout his career.