THE LAST chief of Gwent Fire Brigade before its merger was given a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his championing of fire services.

Terry Glossop, of Newport, was the chief of Gwent Fire Brigade for eight years before becoming Commandant of the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.

There he managed a training programme for fire brigades from across the UK before his recent retirement.

Last week, he was given a Lifetime Achievement award from the British Fire Protection Systems Association (BFPSA) at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Derek Harrington, chairman of the BFPSA, described Mr Glossop as "a true champion of the fire services" when he handed over the award.

He added: "When we asked colleagues who have known Terry Glossop to help paint a picture of the man, the words we heard were far from unexpected.

"Awareness. Astuteness. Enthusiasm. Commitment. Integrity was a word which kept cropping up, and a strong personal conviction in any cause he was asked to fight.

"And steadfastness, and a word we don't hear too often today - loyalty."