HE has always regretted never getting the chance to meet his grandfather.

So West Yorkshire's new fire chief Simon Pilling could not be more proud to follow in his heroic relative's footsteps.

James Henry Pilling was made chief fire officer of the then Leeds City Brigade exactly 60 years ago.

Tragically, he died trying to save lives in a dramatic mill fire in 1954. A plaque at Leeds Fire Station pays tribute to his bravery.

Today, as Mr Pilling began his new job, he pledged to honour his grandfather by making a success of the new post.

Mr Pilling, 42, said: "I'm incredibly proud of him. One of my biggest regrets in life is that I never had the chance to meet him.

"I hope he would be proud of me, too."

James Henry Pilling joined the fire service in the 1930s as one of the original "fire bobbies".

He worked his way through the ranks to become the area fire service commander, also at the age of 42, and his efforts earned him the OBE.

He died in 1954 – when chiefs still attended fires – as he helped tackle a blaze at the old General Electrics Mill in Wellington Street.

He crashed through two floors of the burning building and suffered massive head injuries. He died a year later of a brain haemorrhage.

Simon Pilling, who was born in Leeds and now lives in Huddersfield, began his career as a fireman in Ossett and also worked his way through the ranks.

Before being appointed to the top job, the father-of-one was deputy chief fire officer.

He admits he is taking over the role when the fire service is facing major challenges, not least the creation of a new Northern Control Centre in Wakefield, set to cost millions.

The project is to be Government-funded for three years and then costs shared between the participating fire services, but the Fire Brigades Union claims West Yorkshire taxpayers could ultimately be left with a massive bill for the project.

Mr Pilling said: "There will be an increase in costs but it is clear that they should not fall on the fire service which 'hosts' the site. I can understand the Union's concerns and we share them. The Government has, though, provided us with an assurance that they will cover the costs for the first three years.

"We would not want West Yorkshire to bear the brunt of any costs either during that three years or afterwards. It is something I would resist very strongly."

He said other issues high on his agenda would be the continued modernisation of the fire service, including reviews of the retained duty system, improving appliances and training, the possible relocation of fire stations and the continuation of the service's fire safety and prevention programme.

Mr Pilling also paid tribute to outgoing fire chief Phil Toase, 54, who is retiring after more than 30 years service and eight years in the top job.

Mr Pilling said: "Phil has been my colleague, my friend and my adviser.