A couple have dedicated more than 40 years to helping protect the people of Essex.

Claire and Mike Sparrow will both be rewarded with long-service medals by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service later this year, in recognition of the 20 years each has spent working for the service.

Mike, 43, works in community safety, based at Colchester Command, but began his career in 1988 as a firefighter.

He initially worked at Canvey Island before moving to Colchester where, apart from a short stint in Clacton, he spent the majority of his firefighting career. He was promoted to station officer in the community command, two years ago.

Claire, 44, began working for the service at about the same time as her husband.

She was based in the control room, responsible for answering 999 calls, allocating crews to incidents and providing a point of contact and liaison for firefighters on the ground.

She was forced to take medical retirement just before Christmas after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Despite working for the same company for all of their married life, the couple can only recall one occasion when they were sent to the same incident.

Mike said: “There was a large fire at Mansel Fabrics in Colchester over the Christmas period. I was on one of the first appliances to get to it.

“It was so large that my wife was turned out on a control unit to attend.

“She was at the scene talking to people and, suddenly, this grubby firefighter came running to give her a big kiss and cuddle. It certainly shocked some people.”

Some people might think working for the same company could cause problems, but Mike said it helped strengthen their relationship.

“Claire knows all the terminology, and knows about incidents, so when you come home, it is easier to discuss things,” he explained.

Reflecting on her time in the job, Claire said: “It was different every day. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to people.”

Mike now acts as part-time carer for his wife and his current job centres more around a “nine-to-five” mentality.

The couple will be presented with their 20-year long service and good conduct medals by the Lord Lieutenant at a ceremony in Chelmsford on May 6.