FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a man who selflessly fought his whole life to help others.

John Pugh, of Appleton, died on October 6, aged 68, after working as an army corporal, a fire-fighter, a search and rescue team member, a humanitarian and a youth worker.

His wife, Sandra, said: "John was a larger than life character.

"He loved helping people and got a real kick out of being able to make a difference.

"He served in the army from age 17 to 24.

"He then served 27 years as a firefighter and during that time he helped set up the UK search and rescue team.

"I think I am correct in saying he has had more search and rescue deployments than any other team member.

"He has been awarded five medals, two of which are NATO medals for his humanitarian work."

With the Cheshire search and rescue team, John was called to various locations around the world including Iraq to assist with the humanitarian tragedy following the first Gulf War, Mozambique to help with flooding and India to assist teams after a major earthquake.

John was thanked for his hard work and dedication with a letter from Tony Blair.

The real-life hero retired aged 55 but after just one year he was itching to return to work and did so as a targeted youth worker for Cheshire fire and rescue.

There, he was instrumental in the design and development of the 'respect' and 'on the streets' programmes before being seconded to Cheshire west and Chester to the families together programme.

These programmes all help to assist troubled youth and families and he demonstrated a real talent for building relationships with people.

Kev Kelly spoke at John's funeral with a touching tribute to John, his antics and the memories they shared.

John died after suffering with Fireman’s Lung, a common illness among long-serving firefighters.

He said: "We have lost a great character, a good friend, a dependable colleague, a person who cared about his fellow man.

"A rogue and a generous charmer.

"But his family have lost the most important person in their lives and they were with John, supporting and caring for him, during the last six months as he fought the cruel illness that subsequently took him from them.

"He loved his family and was proud of them.

"His fight is over now, I doubt we will ever see his like again."