Firefighter cleared by his thong

A fireman who faced the sack after being accused of streaking at work has kept his job after it was revealed he was wearing a thong.

Peter Gilbertson was accused of gross misconduct by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service over claims he walked naked across the station yard.

He produced the thong as evidence to a disciplinary hearing.

Mr Gilbertson, who works at Gorton Fire Station, Manchester, received a final written warning from his bosses.

He told the hearing he was going to collect some shower gel from a car.

'Bad decision'

The firefighter, who has 15 years service with Greater Manchester Fire Service, said after the hearing: "I would like to sincerely apologise for any embarrassment I have caused to my colleagues at Gorton and the wider service.

"I made a bad decision that day and I am just glad to have been given the opportunity to put this incident behind me and continue with the career that I really enjoy."

Deputy chief fire officer Tony Proctor said: "Following a full disciplinary hearing, disciplinary action has been taken and Firefighter Gilbertson has been issued with a final written warning.

"Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service treats matters regarding the professional conduct of its staff very seriously and is extremely disappointed that such an incident has occurred."