A FARMER who has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 40 years was yesterday honoured for his long service.

Michael Atkinson is one of the longest-serving volunteer firefighters anywhere in the UK.

The 69-year-old was one of the founding members of the Goathland volunteer firefighters, based in the village on the North York Moors.

The group was formed after a joiner's workshop caught fire during a snowy night in 1964. The fire engines from Whitby could not get through and a team of locals had to put out the flames using buckets of water.

Since then, a team of trained volunteers has been based in the village. Mr Atkinson is no longer on call, but is the figurehead of the organisation and helps train and advise the volunteers.

"I am proud to do it," he said.

"We provide a real service to the community and it helps give people peace of mind to know we are there."

He was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2000 for his voluntary services to the community.

Yesterday, Mr Atkinson was recognised for his long service by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue at a ceremony at their training centre in Easingwold.

The ceremony also saw good conduct awards presented to firefighters and commendations for members of the public.