Peter Cunningham Firefighters from Watlington will carry the coffin of a former colleague who died after a car crash last Monday.

Peter Cunningham, 56, died after the van he was driving was in collision with a bus on Firebrass Hill, Ewelme, near Wallingford.

He worked as a retained firefighter from 1981 to 1985 at Watlington fire station, before leaving because of increasing demands of his work as a builder.

His daughter, Jenny, was also a firefighter at Watlington for 10 years until she left the service two years ago to raise a family.

His son, Sean, became a retained firefighter in 1996, and still works at Watlington fire station.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service deputy chief officer John Hurren said the family's loss was shared by his former colleagues in the fire service.

He said: "We hope the close bonds that have been developed in the fire service will help the family through this difficult period. We extend our condolences to Sean and the rest of the family."

Mr Hurren said Mr Cunningham was always enthusiastic and had encouraged his son to join the service -- to take up where he left off.

He praised the professionalism of the crew who helped Mr Cunningham at the scene.

He said: "Every road traffic accident has its own difficulties, but it is particularly difficult when we find it's a colleague trapped in the vehicle.

"I would like to pay tribute to the crew who recognised the van and its occupant and were still able to do a very professional job.

"They were also aware Peter's son, Sean, was a member of the crew, although he did not attend this particular call-out. Their first thoughts were to get to Sean and comfort him."

He added: "It's a family environment in the fire service and we all feel a tragedy such as this."

Mr Cunningham, formerly of Spring Lane, Watlington, was well known in the town and a keen darts player in local leagues.

Sub Officer Barry Adby, who served alongside him in the 1980s and was a member of the crew that cut him free at the scene, said: "You just get on and do the job.

"It's only afterwards that you reflect back and it hits home."

He said the debriefing after the accident had been particularly emotional for all involved.

Firefighters are being drafted in from Oxford to provide cover while the Watlington crew help carry the coffin at the funeral, which will be held at 11am tomorrow at St Leonard's Church in Pyrton Lane, Watlington.