A FIREFIGHTER of 24 years has decided to swap his uniform for vet scrubs to fulfil his dream of working with guide dogs.

London Fire Brigade’s Redbridge borough commander Steve Brown retired last week after 24 years of tackling blazes in London, Somerset and Devon.

He was given a send off by his colleagues at Ilford Fire Station, who wished him well in his new role at the Guide Dogs Association.

His station manager Mark Simons said: “Our farewell parade was a fitting send off for Steve.

“It’s great he’s going on to work with guide dogs as it’s his great passion – he will be greatly missed by all of us.”