TRIBUTES have been paid to a young firefighter who made an outstanding contribution to the service.

Hundreds of people attended a service of thanksgiving for the life of 22-year-old Rob Beazley, right, who was found hanged at his own fire station last month.

Those taking part included Mike Scott, officer-in-charge at the station in Avenue Road, Lymington, when Mr Beazley joined almost three years ago.

He said: "Rob was a well-liked member of the team who was gaining the respect of his colleagues. Yes, he loved riding on the fire engines and dealing with the situations he was faced with, both good and bad, but he also loved being able to give something back to the community."

Mr Scott said Mr Beazley spent many hours visiting Lymington residents, giving them fire safety advice and fitting smoke detectors.

He was found dead at the fire station on April 11 after being arrested in connection with an alleged assault. He is understood to have been detained following an argument with his girlfriend.

The service at St Thomas's Church, Lymington, was attended by town mayor Pauline Elsworth and Rob's former colleagues, who made the short walk from the fire station.

His ashes were later interred in the churchyard.