Tributes have been paid to a firefighter who died in a crash.

Flags at fire stations across Dorset and Wiltshire are flying at half-mast as a mark of respect following the death of Mark Hillier.

Mr Hillier died in a crash on the A345 Salisbury Road in Pewsey, Wiltshire on Thursday evening.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: "Everyone at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is deeply shocked at the tragic loss of a highly regarded firefighter.

"Watch manager Mark Hillier passed away following a road traffic collision in Pewsey. I know that I speak on behalf of the entire service when I say that we are devastated by this news. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones at this extremely difficult time."

Mr Hillier joined Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service in October 1995 as an on-call firefighter at Pewsey fire station, where he became watch manager. Together with his on-call role, he also worked as a wholetime firefighter with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for nine years, before transferring back to Dorset & Wiltshire, where he worked as a watch manager at Salisbury fire station.

Mr Hillier was recognised in 2021 with a Making a Difference award for his outstanding work and commitment to organising a ‘laptops for kids’ initiative.