THE FUNERAL of a former Hampshire firefighter who served for more than 30 years takes place on Thursday.

Tributes have been paid to former Romsey firefighter Terry Conway who every year helped to put up the bunting and Christmas lights for the town.

In 1995 he received the Queen’s Fire Service long service and good conduct medal after he spent 31 years fighting fires across the county.

The 76-year old died surrounded by his family after struggling with a long battle against cancer at Countess Mountbatten hospice.

His wife of 54 years, Barbara, said how much the town meant to him.

She said: “He was very hard working. He worked from the age of seven to the day he died. He was always happiest when he was working. He enjoyed putting up the lights and the bunting

"He was the nicest man anyone could ever with to know. I feel very privileged to have spent my life with him.

“He really enjoyed life, he would do anything for anybody."

Born in Southampton, Terry went to school at Green Lane Nursling then later the Romsey School.

The great-grandfather married Barbara in 1962 and spent most of his life living in Lansdowne Road.

He stepped down from the fire service in 1995 on the day of his 55th birthday which Barbara said he found “very upsetting”.

Barbara added that he was “really really proud” of the medal he received for his long-standing service which was always kept on the mantle-piece in the front room.

Some of the incidents he was involved in included fighting the New Forest fire in the summer of 1976 as well as the Colden Common tyre fire in 1974.

After his retirement he continued to volunteer with the fire service in the 'learn not to burn campaign' where children were taught about the dangers of fire and how to be safe.

He was survived by Barbara, his two daughters Penny, 51, and Tracey, 53, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

His funeral will be held at 2.30pm at Romsey Abbey. A service will take place at Southampton Crematorium, East Chapel afterwards.

Barbara has asked for donations to be made to Countess Mountbatten Hospice via funeral directors AH Cheaters. Family flowers only.

A wake will be held at the Royal British Legion Club in Love Lane following the internment. All welcome.