A fire service photographer whose work included coverage of the Keighley Netto blaze is retiring.

Brian Saville, visual services manager with the West Yorkshire brigade, pictured the inferno – at the former supermarket, in Alston Retail Park – in November, 1995.

A man was later convicted of starting the fire and 12 offences of possessing explosives with intent to endanger life.

Mr Saville, who joined the county’s fire and rescue service in 1978, also covered the Bradford City fire in 1985 and a string of other major incidents.

His career has included a spell on secondment to the Home Office Forensic Science Laboratory, where he worked alongside principal scientific officer Roger A Cooke.

During his time there he produced training materials which have been used nationally in fire investigation.

He has won many awards including National Fire Service Photographer of the Year, the British Institute of Professional Photography regional prize three times and the Unison National Photography Award.

Also, Mr Saville was presented with a commendation by the Honorary Recorder of Bradford Stephen Gullick for the part he played in Operation Wheel, tackling the Bradford riots, in 2001.

And he was responsible for designing and developing new equipment such as a camera system which enables firefighters to search in confined spaces.

Brian, who retires next Friday, October 5, said: “I have flown in helicopters, driven a tank and met and worked with some talented people, including a few famous ones. Every day has been a challenge and I have enjoyed every second of it.”