LANCASHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has paid tribute to its second- longest serving employee, who has retired after 37 years.

Pat Rowell, 66, of Knowsley Road, Darwen, started as an emergency call operator for the service in October 1970 after seeing an advertisment in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

She officially retired on March 31 and took her last call about a postbox fire in Richmond Street, Accrington.

Her first call was a malacious call from Nelson.

Spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue John Taylor said: "People doing that job are often the unseen heroes and heroines.

"They are a crucial part of the team and their work can be lifesaving.

"For Pat, to do what is a stressful job for all of that time, is a phenomenal achievement."

Pat started at the Accrington base of the service, covering fire calls from Accrington, Darwen and Nelson, but in 1971 was transferred to the county headquarters in Preston, dealing with calls from the whole of Lancashire.

She said: "I loved the job and I'm very sorry to go."

She said she had gained an enormous sense of achievement and that some calls she took would never leave her.

She said: "I took a call last September from Blackpool when a hotel was on fire.

"There was a man trapped in a room and unfortunately he later died.

"You do have to remember that you might be the last person someone speaks to."

Pat will be doing volunteer work with Hyndburn Stray Dogs Society.