THE new watch commander at Largs Fire Station has told the News it is 'a privilege' to be running a team of top firefighters serving the town.

Long-serving firefighter Paul Lamont has says he is delighted to step into the key role after nearly two decades in the service.

Paul, 43, said: "It feels good to be charge of such a great station and such great guys.

"I joined in 2001 after being persuaded by Robert Butcher, who was my boss at the council where I worked for Streetscene in grounds, maintenance and cleansing.

"I was a crew manager from 2008-2019 and took over as temporary watch manager in January 2019, so I'm delighted to now get this opportunity."

Over his near-20 years, Paul has been involved in many call-outs including the Clydeport crane fire last year at Hunterston, and admits there has been a mix of highs and lows.

He added: "The fatalities are always difficult and what makes it harder here is there is always a strong chance you may know the person involved. The highlights though include saving peoples lives, and getting them safely home to their families.

"Thankfully we have a lot of help with the police and partner agencies and there is always good support from the fire service, including counselling if required.

"We work off a pager that is 24 hours a day, and seven days a week, and we try and support the town in any way we can, but we couldn't do that without the support of our families and our crew.

"The most important thing for us is getting home safely to them after each call out.

"We have been involved in a lot of flooding over the years. I remember the big one in Bath Street around ten years ago and we had to put sandbags around all the houses and front doors."

Largs fire crew also offers support to the Isle of Cumbrae and have worked at a major blaze involving six flats in Millport and a more off the wall call-out in 2017 when a herd of cows became trapped in slurry.

Other wildlife call-outs include a lamb stuck in a drain in Hunterston estate and a dog which was stuck under rocks in Greenock Road.

Paul, a Largs Thistle fan, is married to Michelle and they have a son, Luke, six. Paul is a former St Mary's Primary and St Andrew's Academy pupil, and his parents are Jim and Bridie Lamont, who recently retired after 30 years serving Largs Boys Brigade.

Paul received the prestigious Queen's Badge at Largs BB.

He said: "One thing you learn through being in the fire brigade is that life is too short. We could be sitting in the house enjoying a meal and the pager goes off and you are out attending a car crash where somebody loses a life in the blink of an eye.

"It is important to live life as much as you can, especially in these difficult times."

Largs fire crew is made up of Norman Burt, Sean McCartney, David Anderson, Ian McDonald, Sandy Coutts, John Logan, David Macdonald, Andrew Findlayson, Craig McCall, Paul Greig, Kieran Gregory, Calum Little.

As watch commander, Paul has overall control of the station in Brisbane Road, and makes sure training is professional and that the station is well manned and equipped.

Paul also had some words of appreciation for his predecessor Peter Bowyer, who had to retire due to ill health after 32 years.

He said "I worked with Peter for 19 years and have learnt a lot from him.

"He has done a great job and I am proud to be following in his footsteps."