Minions give Mick a ‘Despicable’ send off

PORTUGAL didn’t know what had hit it: Mick and his Minions

FIREFIGHTER Mick Billingham swapped his uniform for size 11 winklepickers, tight black women’s jeans and a giant plastic head — well, he was celebrating the end of his 30-year career in the service.

Mick (54), from Springhead, finally doused the flames on his firefighting job this week to reignite a new era in retirement. And thanks to his Oldham Fire Station colleagues he got a “despicable” send off in Portugal, where the boys dressed as Gru and his Minions from the hit film “Despicable Me”.

“It was exceptional,” said father-of-two Mick, who has worked with White Watch for the last 15 years.

“We finished our nightshift, headed to Portugal, spent four days there and then straight back to work.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better send off. I will miss the lads, they’re brilliant to work with. Wherever you go in the fire service it’s the same.”