'Firefighting was what my dad loved doing'

Mervyn Housden's passion was the fire service, according to his family

Tributes have been paid to a "much-loved and well-respected" man who worked as an on-call firefighter for 40 years.

Mervyn Housden, 63, who died on Sunday, was based at St Neots fire station, following in the footsteps of his father and brother, fitting it around his work.

His son Peter, 27, said: "He didn't see it as a job, it was his passion - firefighting was what my dad loved doing."

A book of condolences has been set up by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Housden followed in the footsteps of his father and brother, who were also based at St Neots

His wife Hayley said he was already a firefighter by the time they met so she knew what a big part of his life the fire service was

Mr Housden juggled being a firefighter with full-time work, first with a paper mill and recently with Huntingdonshire District Council's refuse collection team.

His wife Hayley, 57, said: "There was many a time when he'd been out on a fire all night - and often he'd come home at six and go straight to do a day's work before coming home to sleep."

She admitted it sometimes felt a bit much, especially when their four children, Daniel, Peter, Jean and Shayley, were small, but she was also very proud of him.

"One time we were going on holiday, we had the car all packed up and were literally going, when a shout came out and he asked if we could pop into the station.

"He came out looking sheepish and said, 'They're short, can I go?'"

Their holiday started after he got back, she said.

'Inspirational firefighter'

The family say they are so proud of Mr Housden, who died after a nine-month illness on Sunday

His son Peter said: "You wouldn't find anyone with a bad word about my dad, he was genuinely honest, quiet and funny and would do anything for anyone.

"I'd also like to say the fire service have been brilliant since he became ill and since his passing, they were like family to my dad and they pulled out all the stops."

Tributes included many from former colleagues who remembered "an inspirational firefighter of the highest standard" who "just knew what to do when things weren’t going to plan or someone to run things past for that reassuring nod".

A fire service spokesperson said: "Merv proudly served at St Neots Fire Station for more than 40 years and was a much loved and well respected colleague and friend to many during his time with the service."

In 2016, a plaque was unveiled at St Neots Fire Station to honour the collective 100 years of service of Mr Housden and his father and brother.