HE has spent the past 50 years risking his life tackling some of the worst fires in Hampshire’s history.

But now Martyn Long has made it into the history books himself – as the first member of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) to clock up an incredible half a century of firefighting.

The 67-year-old joined the service in 1964. Now he has been honoured for his five decades of service, which has seen him serve at stations across the county.

Over the years Martyn has dealt with some of the biggest emergencies in Hampshire’s history, including tackling the Winchester Guildhall fire in 1969 and putting in a 35-hour shift during the Great Storm of 1987, risking his safety to help residents across Hampshire escape the most destructive weather the south coast has ever seen.

Now grandfather-of-one Martyn has been honoured for his dedication with a landmark long service medal.

He said: “If anyone had suggested in 1964 that I would still be working for the fire service in 50 years I would have laughed out loud.

“I left school aged 17 not knowing what career path I wanted to follow.

“I have had, and still have, many good friends in the service, and the various jobs have been hugely fulfilling and interesting.”

Martyn recalled a lucky escape he had while tackling the Winchester Guildhall blaze just five years into his tenure.

“The whole roof was alight and I was at the top of a staircase when the roof just caved in,” he said. “I just remember dust and smoke surrounding me as the rafters came down and I thankfully got out alive.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s current chief officer, John Bonney, said: “During 50 years of selfless service with HFRS, we have benefited enormously from Martyn’s experience and hard work.”