A long-serving Powys firefighter has retired this week, with his colleagues paying tribute to him with a series of hilarious and heart-warming social media posts.

Presteigne Fire Station announced at the start of June that crew manager David Christopher, known affectionately as ‘Spider’, would be hanging up his hose and helmet when he turned 55 at the end of the month.

David’s final shift was on Thursday, June 27, and his colleagues paid tribute to his 36 years of dedicated service with a special ceremony at the station on Thursday night.

They also put together a few Facebook posts throughout his final week to highlight his time at the station – having joined as a teenager back in 1988.

“This week is sure to be an emotional week on Station 17 as Thursday night is David Christopher's last drill night after 36 years,” the station said in a post on the Facebook page on Monday.

“A true inspiration to us all and he will be sorely missed. We've decided to share a photo each day of Spider up until Thursday.”

Monday started with an old photo of David’s early days, when his hair was much longer. That was followed on Tuesday by a picture of David with wife Tracey – with the station joking that David was celebrating his 75th birthday this week.

Wednesday’s post showed David enjoying one of his favourite pastimes – fishing. “After speaking to some of his fishing friends the one quote which stuck with me was ‘Great bloke, couldn't catch a cold though” read the accompanying post.

Thursday’s picture was of the diehard Liverpool fan taking in a tough loss to fierce rivals Manchester United – caught on live TV.

The Facebook post read: “So here we are, tonight is David Christopher's last drill night.

“I had to beg him for this photo.... Spider is a massive Liverpool fan and made his TV debut in this photo crying in the Kop after Liverpool lost to Manchester United back in the late 90s I think.

“His TV career didn't really take off after this but he's still a star to all of us and we can't express how much he will be missed on station! There will be one more picture tonight.”

The final post included two photos – one of David with his family and also his fire family. A post on Friday thanked everyone involved for organising the celebration following his final shift.

If you’re keen on joining Presteigne Fire Station, visit the station, based at Harpers Lane, Presteigne, or contact 0370 6060699, email mail@mawwfire.gov.uk or get in touch via the Presteigne Fire Station Facebook page.