ANGUISHED councillors have voiced their dismay at the forced retirement of Worcestershire's fire chief - saying they feel "robbed".

Cllr Derek Prodger, who chairs the fire authority, took part in a Q&A at Worcestershire County Council about the last 12 months in the role yesterday.

But the discussion was overshadowed by several Labour politicians coming to the aid of the outgoing fire boss, saying they were dismayed by his de-selection.

As the Worcester News revealed last month, the Conservatives have stopped Cllr Prodger from defending his Bedwardine seat at next year's County Hall elections.

The de-selection means the 79-year-old, who wanted to carry on, will have to step down as fire authority chairman in the spring.

Cllr Prodger's Q&A at County Hall was done alongside chief fire officer Nathan Travis, where they have to present an 'annual report' on the service every 12 months.

Labour Cllr Andy Fry, who also sits on the fire authority, said: "We are collectively, very disappointed in the decision your Conservative Party has made.

"The result is that the fire authority has been robbed of an excellent member.

"You always did your best to include all parties in the work of the fire authority and to listen to everyone's views - we thank you for that."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Fran Oborski also paid tribute as did Tory Cllr Tony Miller, the county council chairman, while Cllr Richard Udall, the Labour group chairman, called it "disappointing". Cllr Udall said: "I'd like to pay a personal tribute to Derek Prodger.

"We didn't always agree with each other, but we always worked together.

"He's been a good chairman of the fire authority and will be missed."

Cllr Prodger, who appeared emotional, then thanked the opposition's comments.

"It's been a long, long stint and I'd like to thank everyone who has made comments about me," he said.

"I mean that sincerely, it's very nice to hear. I enjoy this job."

He told the chamber he had been fortunate to get on well with senior fire staff, saying he goes to see Mr Travis, the current chief fire officer, "three or four times a week" in the authority's HQ.

The 79-year-old former Mayor of Worcester, who has chaired the fire authority since 2011, was first elected 34 years ago as a city councillor.

He stood down from the Guildhall last year and also survived a heart attack, but wanted to carry on as county councillor, mainly in order to keep his fire authority chairmanship.

A selection panel of Conservative members has chosen to hand the County Hall Bedwardine seat nomination to Cllr Alan Amos, who is moving across from the Labour stronghold of Warndon.