THE Queen expressed her sympathy at the tragic death of Ramsbottom firefighter Paul Metcalf when she and the Duke of Edinburgh spent a day with Greater Manchester emergency services.

Ramsbottom's fire-fighters were among the emergency service personnel present at her recent visit to the city.

Leading fireman Ray Bailey, who along with colleagues was invited to meet the Queen, said: "Queen Elizabeth had heard about the accident in which Paul had died. She asked us what happened and asked us to pass on her sympathy to the family."

Sub-officer Metcalf, a part-time fireman drowned in September while trying to rescue a teenager who had fallen into Simon's Lodge situated in a local beauty spot. During their visit the Royal couple saw all aspects of the work carried out by the emergency services, met people who have benefited from the services, and heard tales of heroism and self-sacrifice.

The Queen met Ramsbottom fire-fighters from the stations Red and Green Watches at the Greater Manchester Fire Service Training Centre.

The fire-fighters, accompanied by their wives, spent a day with the royal party.

"The Queen is a very nice lady, just as you would expect her to be," said Mr Bailey.

Her programme also included visits to the police, ambulance service and Territorial Army.

Pictured with the Queen is (from left) Sub-officer Mick Curran, Fireman Tony Doherty, Fireman Gary Higson, Fireman Martin Crowell and leading fireman Ray Bailey. Looking on is County Officer George Almond.

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