Peterborough volunteer firefighters celebrate year of tackling blazes

The black tie event was held at The Bull Hotel, with members of the brigade – the only volunteer fire brigade in the country –and guests celebrating. Chief officer Tony De Matteis said: “The dinner was enjoyed by all and, as usual, a lot of stories were told.”

Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed in 1884, and has a range of members – from postmen to IT managers and prison officers – and recruits have attended some of the biggest blazes in the city, from the recent Toys R Us fire, to the inferno at the Greyhound stadium in 2001. For more information about the volunteer brigade, visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk.