A TRIBUTE to the brave firefighters of Cambridgeshire has been captured in a new book by a former St Neots fireman. Eddie Baker s book, A History of Firefighting in Cambridgeshire details what it s like to be in the fire brigade, its brave personnel and t

A TRIBUTE to the brave firefighters of Cambridgeshire has been captured in a new book by a former St Neots fireman.

Eddie Baker's book, A History of Firefighting in Cambridgeshire details what it's like to be in the fire brigade, its brave personnel and their unwavering service to the community.

Chief fire officer of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Tom Carroll described the work as a "long overdue tribute to the work of the fire and rescue services in the county".

Written by one of Britain's leading fire service authors, the book was released yesterday (Tuesday) and chronicles the history of the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service from the days of the village volunteers, through to the period of nationalisation during the Second World War and to the modern day service.

It has more than 250 photographs, including a colour section on the current fire stations and firefighting fleet.

The book also captures some of the most dramatic events and major incidents of the period. One tale involves a train on fire just north of the Iron Bridge, Huntingdon, on July 14, 1951. There were eight causalities.

Mr Baker told The Hunts Post: "My book tells the story of the selfless public service provided by local firefighters from the very early days to the present day.

"It is an account of the exceptional work carried out each and every day by the men and women in the county of Cambridgeshire."

Mr Baker's life in the fire service began in 1960 in his native Croydon, Surrey. He was promoted to sub officer just before Croydon merged with the London Fire Brigade in 1965. By 1970 he had moved to Cambridgeshire and joined the Isle of Ely Fire Brigade.

Four years later he joined the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and in 1977 he transferred to St Neots, where he stayed until retiring in 1995.

This is Mr Baker's second book. His first, On the Run - A History of Croydon Fire Brigade, was published in 2004.

INFORMATION: A History of Firefighting in Cambridgeshire costs £14.99 in bookshops, or £12.99 plus £3 postage and packaging by phoning Jeremy Mills Publishing Ltd on 01484 421674 or by visiting www.jeremymillspublishing.co.uk