Firefighters helped make the birthday of a 109-year-old former crew member 'a day to remember'.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue crew was 'delighted' to be invited to Joe Dixon's 109th birthday and made a grand appearance at the Jubilee Lodge care home in Cramlington.  The former Northumbrian firefighter received hundreds of cards of support from people all over the UK.

Joe was born in Walker in 1913 and went on to become a firefighter, serving Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for 50 years. After joining the service in 1937, Joe worked at the Pilgrim Street fire station in Newcastle where he lived in the married quarters with his wife Lydia.

He  said: "I have always felt very important in my job. The fire and rescue service has always made me feel very important to them.

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"One fond memory I have is on my 100th birthday, I had a visit from the chief fire officer and his crew to mark the celebration and they have visited me wherever I have lived on every birthday since."

NFRS posted on Facebook: "We chatted with Joe about his life in the RAF and the fire service, met some of his family, and joined both Joe and all the other staff and residents in a birthday celebration of coffee and cake.

"A fruit hamper, as preferred by Joe, and a fire service framed painting of past and present fire appliances was presented to Joe by the on behalf of all at NFRS.

"Birthday cards were also delivered from NFRS fire control which added to the day's total of well over 300 at the latest count.

"It was obvious from our visit that Joe is a much loved and respected resident at Jubilee Lodge and it was great to see so many different people involved in his celebrations this afternoon."

A spokesman for Jubilee Lodge care home in Cramlington: "The support has been fantastic and we have received 411 cards. We had some cards made by the children at local schools and he had loads of presents."