TRIBUTES have been paid to a firefighter ‘legend’ who has died after an accident.

Watch manager at Odiham fire station, Mick Paull, died last night after being in a critical condition following an accident while off-duty on January 16.

The Odiham fire station Twitter account tweeted today: “Last night the bells went down for our WM Mick Paull for the final time, after a valiant fight he passed peacefully whilst surrounded by the people he loved & who loved him. Knock off, make up, return to home station, your watch is over. RIP you legend”

Tributes have been pouring in from many other local fire stations, including Hartley Wintney and Basingstoke, who also tweeted their condolences. However, it is not just locally that there were tributes being sent. Crews from as far away as Hamble, Cornwall, Dorset and Wiltshire also expressed their sorrow.

Odiham Station Manager John Amos said: “Mick will be remembered on the drill yard as a big man with a big heart who upheld the finest traditions of the fire service.

“He dedicated more than 44 years to Odiham Fire Station. Everything he did was for his family and the community of Odiham.

“The thoughts of everyone in the Service are with Mick’s family, friends and colleagues.”