TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly-decorated firefighter who devoted more than a quarter of a century to the service.

Assistant Divisional Officer Iain Davison, 45, commander of Darlington Fire Station, died of a heart attack on Saturday.

Colleagues at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service told how ADO Davison was totally committed to the service, whether he was on or off-duty.

His Spennymoor home was filled with memorabilia and his refurbished vintage 1960s turntable fire engine will be used to carry his coffin as part of his funeral cortege tomorrow.

ADO Davison received two Chief Fire Officer's Commendations in 1977 and 1993, the Ridley Trophy for individual effort in fundraising for the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund in 1990, and the Queen's Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1996.

Chief Fire Officer George Herbert said: "Iain was a true fire service officer and gentleman, who was equally devoted to both his family and the fire service. His contribution to Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue brigade was enormous and he will be sadly missed."

ADO Davison joined the service in 1975, serving at Bishop Auckland, Durham, Peterlee and Darlington.

His "immense sense of humour, motivational skills and willingness to work hard" were complemented by his love of the profession, said colleagues.

He was born in Gateshead and educated at Ferryhill, County Durham, where he met his wife, Sharon.

They had been married for 26 years and have three children, Phillip, Rebecca and Simon.

ADO Davison's funeral cortege leaves Darlington Fire Station at 9.05am tomorrow, arriving at Spennymoor Fire Station at 10.30am, and then travelling to St Andrew's Church, in St Andrew's Lane, for a service at 10.45am.

The service will be followed by a private service for family