Firefighters threw a surprise 50th birthday party for a man who has visited their station every week since he was four years old.

Stuart McLaughlan has been visiting Kilmarnock's fire station on a weekly basis for almost five decades and has an outstanding knowledge of the service's history.

When he made his regular visit last Thursday, he walked into a surprise party to mark his 50th.

As part of the day, he got to ride in a 1970s fire engine and was given gifts including an engraved plaque marking his milestone age.

His support worker Isabella Barton, who attended the celebration, said: "This was a very touching and emotional event - it was above and beyond the call of duty for the fire service.

"These visits really bring out the best in Stuart because he has a fantastic mind and he passes on all his knowledge to his peers.

"He is also aware of fire safety messages which he also extends to his friends."

Since the age of four, Mr McLaughlan has been visiting his local station every Thursday.

He enjoys a roll and sausage with his firefighter friends before watching them train.

He has also been given his own uniform, and assists the crews when they clean their fire engines.

Station manager Paul Storrie said: "People associate us with fighting fires but we do so much more than that.

"We also sit at the very heart of our communities through our partnership networks - and, of course, our valued friends.

"Stuart is without doubt one of our very great friends and it was a pleasure and a privilege to mark this special occasion.

"He has a breath-taking knowledge of our history and we are only too happy to welcome him with a roll and sausage."