INVERCLYDE'S top fire officer has hailed hero Andy Adams who has now retired almost three years since suffering devastating injuries while tackling a Greenock blaze.

The Greenock firefighter was left paralysed after a wall collapsed on him during a call out to a deliberate blaze at the former Larkfield Masonic Association hall three years ago.

Local senior officer Graeme Binning has now paid tribute to Andy, 51, and thanked him for his devotion to the fire service.

He told members of the local fire scrutiny board that the former watch commander has since married his long term partner Clare and the family has moved into a purpose-built home built for them by a developer at Gourock's Kirn Gardens.

Mr Binning said: "It has been a great privilege as the local senior officer to deal with Andy, a highly professional and dedicated firefighter.

"What happened to Andy was a tragedy.

"But his approach remains inspirational and the way he deals with everything is remarkable.

"He has now retired after completing his 30 years service.

"He has recently moved into his adopted bungalow and he has recently married his long term partner.

"It was a privilege to for me and the Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay to come to Greenock Fire Station shake his hand and wish him all the best."

Firefighter Adams was left unable to walk after a wall collapsed on him while attending a the fire in August 2016.

The dad-of-two suffered a severed spinal cord, fractured neck, three broken vertebrae, a broken sternum, two fractured scapulae, a punctured lung, broken collarbone, broken tibula, fibula, ankle and jaw.

In the years that have followed he has had to learn new skills including how to use a wheelchair, as well as learning how to drink, eat and swallow.

Andy has since thanked his partner Clare, daughter Hannah and son Darren for helping pull him through.

A support fund was as launched for Andy after the accident, with tens of thousands of pounds raised by local people and the Fire Brigade Union.

Members of the fire scrutiny board showed their appreciation with Councillor Jim McEleny leading the thank-yous.

He said: "I think we would just like to show our gratitude for his years of service and wish him all the best in the future."