FIREFIGHTERS stood still to remember those who've died in the line of duty during a minute silence this afternoon.

Today marks Firefighters' Memorial Day and for those in Dorset it was a particularly poignant occasion.

Not only did it take place in the midst of a global pandemic, but Dorset firefighters lost colleague Simon Kaye on April 14.

He died after becoming ill during a routine shift.

He was given treatment by colleagues and medics and taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital but sadly died.

It was believed Mr Kaye’s death was not related to the coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesman for Sherborne Fire Station said: "This year is more poignant as we have recently lost a brother firefighter Simon Kaye. Today at midday members of Sherborne Fire Station stood on parade for a minute's silence in honour of all the members of the fire and rescue service that have lost their lives in the line of duty. May they forever be remembered, and forever rest in peace."

The memorial day is an important day for all serving and retired firefighters as it honours the sacrifice of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, acknowledging the courage and dedication of generations of firefighters, including those who serve our communities today.

The Fire Brigades Union works in partnership with the Firefighters Memorial Trust to ensure that no matter how much time has passed, firefighters who died protecting their communities are remembered.

This year was a little different as most people continue to stay at home, but firefighters across the county marked the event with a minute's silence outside their stations.

This year paid special tribute to the firefighters around the world who have sadly lost their lives while working on the frontline during the pandemic, including colleagues in Italy and the USA.