A MUCH-LOVED fireman from Melksham who died earlier this month was honoured by his colleagues, past and present, at his funeral on Friday.

Pete Hancock, who died on July 10 from cancer, was a fireman for 34 years and took on the infamous great fire that burned down much of the Avon Rubber factory in Bath Road in 1967.

Well-respected by his fellow fire officers, Mr Hancock was a great believer in good training for every firefighter.

At his funeral, held at West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington, around 60 fire personnel lined the path either side of his hearse, serving officers on one side and retired firemen on the other.

His son Simon Hancock, from Melksham, was one of the pallbearers.

He said: "It was a phenomenal day. The parade by the fire officers was outstanding and there must have been around 450 people there for Pete.

"It was breathtaking walking between the guard of honour and the effort they went to was out of this world. It was such a memorable event that the pain of losing him was lessened.

"I want to thank the funeral director Patrik Bewley, group manager at Trowbridge Fire Station Steve Williams and everyone at Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service."

Mr Hancock added: "Pete retired from Wiltshire Fire Brigade in 2000 and now takes his place in Brigade history."