Peter Davis dedicated his life to the fire service.
And he was full of smiles when he was greeted by a huge fire engine outside his care home in Westerhope for his 91st birthday.
Peter shared stories of his days tackling fires at Newcastle’s Central Station and the BALTIC Flour Mill, while he marvelled at the vehicle which dominated the grounds of his residential home.
Peter was then invited on board the fire engine and treated to a lap of Westerhope.
Speaking about his 29 years of service to the brigade, Peter said: “The engines have all changed now.
"I’ve been retired for over 30 years and when I worked for the fire brigade we had engines sent over from America.
"We had to get used to American gear changes. It’s been a nice surprise to see the fire engine coming here."
The special visit was organised by Michael Campling, a care home manager with a passion for recreating memories for his residents.
When Michael noticed two female residents competing to serve tea from the tea trolley in the care home, he decided to launch Work Matters, a scheme which give residents a hands on trip down memory lane.
A former landlady was given the opportunity to work behind the bar of a pub in Richmond.
The 71-year-old, who has dementia, was anxious in the care home, however in the pub she shined with confidence and was even flirting with the customers.
Michael said: “When we bring people back to their old working environments you can see all of the memories come flooding back.
"It brings them joy and happiness, and they love feeling like they are doing something useful.”
