'Loved beyond words' - Memorial bench for fallen fireman unveiled

And the first person to sit on the bench, dedicated to Christopher Betts, was his father, William Betts, aged 93.

A scene from the dedication ceremony of a new bench in memory of firefighter Christopher Betts at Wroxham Cemetery. (Image: Malcom Allsop)

Christopher Betts, firefighter who died in the line of duty in Hainford, Norfolk, in 1987. (Image: Supplied by the family)

At an unveiling ceremony at Wroxham cemetery, Mr Betts said: "It means everything to me.

"I can now sit here and think of Chris. I want to thank everyone who helped make this all come true."

Assistant Chief Fire officer for Norfolk Scott Norman gives the memorial address, at a dedication ceremony of a new bench in memory of firefighter Christopher Betts at Wroxham Cemetery. (Image: Malcom Allsop)

Christopher was fighting a fire in Hainford in the early hours of December 1, 1987 when a chimney collapsed on him and he lost his life - the last Norfolk fireman to have died in the line of duty.

More than 40 friends and relatives as well as seven firefighters were at the dedication ceremony for the inscribed bench.

Photographs on display after the ceremony for the memorial bench to Christopher Betts (Image: Malcom Allsop)

The firefighters from Wroxham Fire Station used social media to raise £900 to help pay for it, along with contributions from Christopher's family.

Shaun Hearn, the station's crew manager, said: "We are like a big family in the Fire and Rescue Service, and we support each other."

The memorial bench in with its inscription to Christopher Betts (Image: Malcom Allsop)

Speaking at the unveiling, Scott Norman, assistant chief fire officer for Norfolk, said: "It is important to remember, and not take for granted, just how dangerous this service can be.

"It’s a credit to the crew who worked so hard to bring this bench here.

"It offers a chance to sit and reflect on their colleague Chris as well as the work of the fire service."

Christopher Betts' memorial stone in Wroxham Cemetery with the firefighters wreath (Image: Malcom Allsop)

A dedication on the bench reads 'Loved beyond words, Fireman Christopher William Betts, who gave his life serving the people of Norfolk.'

The bench was dedicated by the Rev Liz Jump, Rector of the Wroxham Benefice and unveiled by William with the help of Wroxham parish councillor Peter Mantle, who planned the project.

A wreath was also laid in the cemetery next to Christopher's memorial stone, as is done every year on the anniversary of his death, when local firefighters gather to honour his memory.