SIDMOUTH councillor Stuart Hughes has been recognised for his work with the fire service.

Mr Hughes, of Temple Street, was given a framed limited edition print by artist and retained firefighter Rob Crisp, at Sidmouth Fire Station, in Woolbrook Road on Monday. The picture shows a thatch blaze in Whimple. The presentation was made by fire authority chairman Mark Healey, watched by chief fire officer Lee Howell, station officer Stuart Collins and town firefighters, including Mr Crisp.

The town, district and county councillor had to step down as a member of the fire authority when he took on county council cabinet responsibility for highways and transportation last summer. He had been with the authority for 17 years, from when it was under the control of the county council’s public protection committee to when Devon combined with Somerset, and will still work with it on road safety issues. He’s seen the Sidmouth station join forces with the ambulance service, sharing the building, and successfully campaigned to retain its two fire engines.

Mr Hughes said; “This painting will take pride of place on my wall. I have fond memories of the fire authority and it’s nice that this presentation could take place in Sidmouth.”