UPTON people have rallied to support retained firefighter Dave Walker, who resigned last week.

Mr Walker, who was central to the relief operation during the November flood, quit after a dispute over his use of the brigade's equipment for non-999 emergencies.

A petition being presented to Sir Michael Spicer today (Friday) calls for Mr Walker's reinstatement as Sub Officer in charge of Upton Fire Station, saying: "Our community needs his knowledge and expertise."

The West Worcestershire MP supported Mr Walker last month, calling for official backing for his use of the Upton Community Rescue Boat to help people in flooded houses.

Bill Dovey, of High Street shop Gifted, who started the petition, said: "The boat was funded by local people and is maintained by them. We thought we were buying it to help people in Upton, not just for river rescues."

The petition was being handed to Sir Michael by district councillor Eric White, who said: "Dave Walker used his initiative to help people in exceptional circumstances."

Coun White was due to meet Chief Fire Officer David O'Dwyer yesterday (Thursday).

Upton GP Dr David Webster said the town could not afford to lose someone like Mr Walker.

"He has been a fantastic fire officer with a real heart for the community," he said. "For someone outside to calmly accept his resignation as though it was all in a day's work is unbelievable.

"The people of Upton are outraged and upset. We hope the whole thing will be urgently reconsidered."

Fire Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie paid tribute to Mr Walker's work, but added: "The fact remains he has resigned and his resignation has been accepted. Another member of the retained crew, Leading Firefighter Gary Bumfrey, has been promoted to the rank of Sub Officer."

Mr Walker said he was overwhelmed by the support he had received and wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes.