Tributes have been paid to a firefighter from Prestwich who has died at the age of 44.

Francois (Frankie) Childs died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, September 3.

He served on Green Watch at Broughton Community Fire Station where he had been based since joining Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS). in January 2018.

An online book of condolence has been opened by GMFRS.

The former Army reservist leaves behind wife Sarah and two children, parents and three brothers.

Sarah Nattrass, Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Service Delivery, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of our colleagues and share our heartfelt condolences with Frankie’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Frankie was part of our GMFRS family for more than six years as a much-loved member of Green Watch, Broughton, and he will be very sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues.”

Frankie joined GMFRS on 29 January 2018 following a career in banking and serving with the machine gun platoon of the Bury Fusiliers.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have also paid tribute to Frankie, who supported a Care 4 Calais Charity trip to France in November 2023.

An FBU spokesperson added: “Frankie was one of 12 FBU members who volunteered their time to travel to France to support the Care 4 Calais Charity in November of 2023.

"Care 4 Calais supports the thousands of refugees and people seeking asylum across the UK and northern France.

"They offer their time to collect and distribute essential items and provide social support, and to help in many other different ways, from replying to messages, to fundraising and admin.

"The charity could not provide this support without dedicated and caring people like Frankie. His support will not be forgotten by the FBU or by the many people his efforts undoubtedly helped contributed to making refugees lives better.”

Friends, colleagues and members of the public are invited to share a message on the online book of condolence which can be found at https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/news/tributes-paid-to-firefighter-francois-childs-who-has-died-aged-44/