A Taunton-based watch commander met the Prime Minister this week in recognition of his outstanding public service.

Philip Musgrove, who has worked for the fire service for 19 years, attended a special reception for public sector champions at Lancaster House, London, attended by around 450-people selected for their outstanding public service.

He said: "It's our job to assist the public and it's nice to be honoured for it."

This is the third time that Philip has represented the fire service at an official function of this kind.

In 1998, he met the Queen at a reception at Buckingham Palace for his work as a fire cadet instructor, and in 2006, he went to a reception at 10 Downing Street and met Tony Blair on behalf of Somerset Fire & Rescue Service for their efforts at the fuel depot fire Buncefield fire in 2005.

Speaking at this week's reception, Mr Blair said: "The significant progress in our public services rest, above all, on the efforts of those on the front line - dedicated public servants, in fact, such as Phillip.

"Phillip is so well-regarded by colleagues that he was chosen by them to attend a special reception for front-line staff.

"It gave me a chance to thank him - and all our public servants - for their vital role in the improvements we have seen in Taunton and across the country."