The 28-year-old was tackling a fire in the thatched roof of the Chequers, in Hainford, when tragedy struck.

It was around 4am on the morning of December 1 and he was working on the first floor of the building, dampening down the fire, when suddenly and without warning the central chimney stack collapsed.

He was trapped underneath the rubble and was eventually freed by colleagues, many working with their bare hands.

Christopher Betts, firefighter who died in the line of duty in Hainford, Norfolk, in 1987. (Image: Supplied by family)

However, he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Thirty eight years on, he has now been commemorated with a new red plaque at the site of the tragedy, the first such red plaque to be installed in Norfolk.

Christopher Betts' memorial stone in Wroxham Cemetery with the firefighters wreath (Image: Malcom Allsop)

It was unveiled at a ceremony at the pub attended by the firefighter's family, including his 97-year-old father William Betts.

He had also been a firefighter at Wroxham Fire Station, alongside his son.

Mr Betts unveiled the plaque alongside his nephew Marek Jeczalik and former colleagues from Wroxham.

He was also joined by........

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