Fireman Peter's dinner just went up in smoke

Peter Pascoe's retirement party will be extra memorable for him. For the venue where the volunteer firefighter was due to hold his party proved to be where he attended his last 'shout'.

Peter and his fellow firefighters from Callington were due to enjoy a sit-down three-course meal at the Old Clink Pub, Fore Street, Callington. But all arrived there an hour before they had arranged - and on duty - because a new cooker installed at the pub had caught fire.

They were able to deal with the fire, and were then served a barbecue and salad to mark Peter's retirement.

Peter, who retired after 20 years of service, did not have to fight the fire because two firefighters have trained to take over from him. He said it felt strange not taking part, but added that the party was only delayed by an hour and 'everyone had a great time'. A signwriter, he presented a painting he had done of fire engines to the station as his farewell gift.

Nick Woodley, who is joint proprietor of the Old Clink with Ruth Whatling, said that he wanted to thank the firefighters for the way they tackled the blaze, and around eight people, including customers, who had pulled out all the stops to help make the barbecue and salad.

Earlier this week the kitchen at the Old Clink was being taken apart and commercially cleaned, ready for re-opening. It will be Sunday lunches and meals as usual from next Sunday.

In the meantime the downstairs to the premises has been running as usual, but meals have had to be postponed while the kitchen has been restored to new.

Mr Woodley said that many people thought it a joke when the fire engines turned up to fight the fire. He said of the party:

'The crew was surprised we carried on - they were expecting us to say it was cancelled. We served the meal outside with the barbecue and salad, and it was a really good night.'