FORMER Lydney firefighter Chris Martin was presented with his MBE by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Chris was at Lydney Fire Station for some 40 years, rising to become station commander, before moving on to manage all 20 part-time fire stations in Gloucestershire.

He travelled to London for the presentation with his wife, Lyn, his children and grandchildren.

He told the Review: "It was a lovely day. The prince asked me about the Gloucestershire Fire Service."

The presentation took place as he stood down as the manager of the county's retained fire stations.

One of his last jobs with the fire service was to make a presentation at a recruitment evening at Lydney Fire Station for people interested in becoming retained firefighters.

Chris said he was not sure what he was going to do during retirement.