A LONG-SERVING firefighter has expressed his pride as he takes on a new role overseeing operations across Inverclyde and two other local authorities.

Area Commander Kevin Murphy has been appointed as the local senior officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The 43-year-old joined the SFRS ranks in Clarkston more than two decades ago.

His new role also takes in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, meaning he will have responsibility for eight community fire stations, including those in Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow.

Last month, Area Commander Murphy took charge of the service's response to a large-scale fire at a recycling plant in Linwood, an incident which left huge plumes of smoke visible in the skies across the west of Scotland.

He said: “I’m hugely proud to come back to this area and to begin my new role as local senior officer.

“While I’m not originally from East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire or Inverclyde, I know the areas well through my time based here.

“I’ve always held great admiration and been very respectful of the job our crews and all staff across the area do.”