Hundreds pay tribute to county's chief firefighter

Hundreds of mourners gathered to say a final goodbye to Derbyshire's chief firefighter.

Rob Taylor, 45, who joined the organisation in 2008 after moving from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, died on 10 September after a "sudden and short illness".

About 400 people attended his funeral at St John's Church in Buxton, Derbyshire, on Tuesday.

St John's Road was lined with firefighters and police officers as an aerial ladder platform fire engine carried his coffin to the service.

Mr Taylor took over the top role in the service in February this year, when he also became its chief executive.

Those who spoke at the service said how determined and hardworking Mr Taylor was.

His brother Jonathan Taylor said: "Rob did not do things by halves. He was made of granite - never mind grit.

"But we were really proud of who Rob was and his sense of humour."

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