A CLEANER who has worked at a fire station since it opened went home in style on her final day.

Pam MacDonald retired after working at the Darlington station for 27 years - and firefighters were determined to give her a fine send-off.

Deputy Chief Officer Paul Henderson presented Pam with a certificate to mark her years of service. She was also given a bunch of flowers and a photograph of her with her cleaning colleagues.

But the highlight was a trip home in one of the station's fire engines.

Assistant Divisional Officer Alan Wray said they did not usually make a fuss when someone left, but he added that Pam was special.

He said: "I think if anyone has served in a fire station for 27 years, cleaning up after the lads here, they deserve to retire in style. Pam's been with us for such a long time and she's a very quiet person, but it'll be strange coming in and not having her around.