AS a professional sparky for more than half a century, Richard Checksfield knows more than most about the comforts electric power can bring.

But when he is at home he turns his back on such a modern convenience - and has lived without electricity for 26 years.

Mr Checksfield, 70, lives in an isolated bungalow near Dunnington, York, which was not connected to the mains when he moved there in 1975.

And, baulking at the estimated £6,000 it would cost to get his home wired up, he has lived quite contentedly without it ever since.

To keep warm, he has a large coal fire which also serves as his stove. If he wants to read at night he does so by candlelight. For washing himself and his clothes he stores cold rainwater in a giant tub. His only concessions to modern life are a telephone to keep in touch with the world and a battery-powered radio.

"All my friends think I'm crackers, but I'm quite happy," said Mr Checksfield. "I'm completely self-sufficient. I suppose it may seem a bit eccentric but it suits me. I didn't have electricity when I was a child so I don't really miss it now and I'm not really interested in television. I stay nice and warm in front of the fire and have an extra-thick goosedown quilt."

Mr Checksfield has also chosen not to dust his home for more than 20 years - something he puts down to his love of nature.

"I don't want to disturb the spiders. They are great to watch and perfect for keeping the flies away," he said.