HE never got to meet his heroic granddad.

But on Sunday Tyler Davies got the chance to see what it was like to walk in the former firefighter's shoes during a charity walk in aid of St Rocco's Hospice.

The 17-month-old from Latchford walked one mile during the first 'Children's lantern walk' in memory of his granddad Alan Brent, who was a firefighter at Warrington Fire Station for 26 years.

The 47-year-old was at St Rocco's for four months before he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer 10 years ago but has always been remembered fondly by friends in the service.

His former colleagues invited Tyler to Warrington Fire Station to meet the crew ahead of his walk and sit on one of the engines before giving the toddler his granddad's old belt and a toy axe to wear for the walk.

Tyler's mum Sara said: "My dad was still working up until a week before he was taken to St Rocco's.

"He loved his job and they were like an extended family and even when he was in St Rocco's the lads used to pick him up in the fire engine and take him for his dinner.

"Tyler is obsessed with fire engines now after visiting the station and just loves them.

"It seemed like a good time to raise some money for St Rocco's on the 10 year anniversary and it's really nice to know the lads on White Watch haven't forgotten my dad."

Former colleagues of Alan said they were delighted to support Tyler during the event.

Firefighter Damon Leonard added: “Tyler’s granddad was a great person to work with and a good friend of mine so I am more than happy to help him along his way.

"The lantern walk is a great idea for an event and some of us were there to cheer Tyler and the other children on over the finish line.”

To donate, visit lanternwalk.everydayhero.com/uk/tyler-s-lantern-walk