A FORMER firefighter was honoured by colleagues and friends at his funeral service.

George Thomas' coffin was carried through Blackburn in a ceremony usually reserved for serving officers.

The grandfather, who died in March at the age of 88 after battling cancer, served at Blackburn Fire Station for more than 25 years.

He made his final journey on a fire engine yesterday, taken from his old fire station to Pleasington Cemetery, followed by his family and former colleagues.

Firefighter Steve Rogerson, who was a passenger in the fire tender carrying George, said: "This ceremony doesn't happen a lot.

"The last time it happened in Lancashire was probably three or four years ago, where a firefighter died on duty.

"That was at Bispham station, near Blackpool, and it was the last time I am aware of it actually happening. It's quite an honour, and normally reserved for serving members.

"There was a good family turnout, and quite a few of the retired members were there too."

Mr Thomas, of Countess Road, Blackburn, was the last surviving member of Blackburn Borough Fire Brigade, which existed between 1948 and 1974, before becoming Lancashire County Fire Brigade.

The coffin was draped with a Union Jack for his final journey.

George leaves his wife of 59 years, Joan, 84, daughter Sheila, son-in-law Barrie, 58, granddaughter Rachael, 25, and sister Irene, 85.