THE family of a Blaina firefighter have remembered him as an "inspiration" following his death.

On October 21, Darran Gunter, former Chief Fire Officer for Dorset and Wiltshire, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

He was 55 years old.

Mr Gunter was originally from Blaina - where his mother, father, sister and rest of his family still live today.

He leaves behind wife, Alison, and sons, Rhys and David, as well as his parents, sister, granddaughter, friends and colleagues.

Mr Gunter was the first Chief Fire Officer for Dorset and Wiltshire.

He led the service until his retirement in November 2016.

He was chief of Dorset prior to the combination.

He also served in Gwent, West Midlands, Devon and then Dorset - also working at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.

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Mr Gunter's sons Rhys and David paid tribute to their father.

"Our dad was nothing but an inspiration, as a colleague, a dad, a husband, a son, a grandfather and as a friend," they said.

"He gave everything in life his absolute best, selflessly always considering others.

"We are so proud of his achievements in his personal life and professional career.

"Dad has fought many battles, and his battle with cancer was something he tackled head first.

"He overcame so many hurdles with his illness. With his doctors and nurses continually commenting on his bravery and willingness to never give up for his family surrounding him.

"He was our fighter and our hero. His kindness, determination and courage is something we have admired and will admire every single day.

"We will never forget you dad and all the memories we’ve shared.

"As a family, and on dad’s behalf, we would like to thank all the NHS staff involved in his care.”

Mr Gunter's family have asked that anyone wishing to leave donations in memory do so via tinyurl.com/darrangunter

Money will go to the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust or Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

The funeral will take place on Friday, November 19 at 3.15pm at Weymouth Cremortium.