New man in the hot seat

GREATER Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has appointed a new head.

Steve McGuirk will take over as county fire officer and chief executive in early autumn, following in the footsteps of former Chadderton firefighter, Barry Dixon who rose through the ranks to become fire chief. Mr McGuirk is currently chief fire officer for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He previously served with the former Greater Manchester County Fire Service and in Royal Berkshire and the West Midlands, and was awarded a CBE in 2005.