A Swanley firefighter who attended the biggest London Underground crash will retire after four decades of service.

Steve Brooker, 66, of Swanley, Kent, leaves his role in the London Fire Brigade tomorrow (Friday, March 31).

Mr Brooker followed in his father’s footsteps and became and joined the fire service in 1973, aged 23.

During his career he worked in crews across south east London including Dockhead, Clapham, New Cross, Deptford, East Greenwich, Greenwich, Peckham, Bexley, and Eltham.

He attended the worst ever accident on the London Underground in peacetime when a train failed to stop at Moorgate station and crashed into a wall in February 1975.

Forty-three people died and 74 were injured at the scene.

Speaking about the disaster he said: "I went down five times on a rotation of 40 minutes in the train, 20 minutes out. We were working in baking hot conditions and would come out pitch black from all the dirt and dust in the tunnel.

"It's hard to imagine the scene but I remember standing on the carriage floor and above my head were the wheels of the carriage behind."

Mr Brooker then reflected on his years of service and added: "I've enjoyed my time. For me it has always been about taking pride in what you do and being there to help people. When they are running away from emergencies, you are running towards them.

"All you can do is help play your part and I think I have done that, or I hope I have anyway."