A FIREFIGHTER who has appeared on TV has been commended for 30 years of service with the fire brigade.

Richard Purvess, of Turner Court, Dartford, received a long service award to mark three decades as a firefighter with London Fire Brigade.

The 48-year-old was presented with the award at a ceremony at the brigade's training centre in Southwark.

Mr Purvess said: "I've really enjoyed my time with the brigade, especially the camaraderie you get working as a team.

"You never have a standard day, you know that every day is going to be totally different."

For the majority of his career Mr Purvess was based at Dockhead Fire Station in Bermondsey where the TV series London's Burning was filmed.

As well as appearing as an extra in 10 episodes he acted as a technical and health and safety advisor on the show.

Since 2005 he has worked in the community safety team at Greenwich fire station.