AN ambulance technician has retired after 28 years with the service.

Andy Pattinson, 56, of Stockton, swapped a double-decker bus for an ambulance and never looked back. Now, because of ill health, he has to retire.

On leaving school he worked as a wagon driver for Wright's mineral waters and spent time as a tanner at Walkers, of Yarm, before joining Stockton Corporation Bus Company for ten years.

He said: "I was looking for something a bit more worthwhile, I suppose. When someone told me there was a job going for an ambulanceman I thought I would have a crack at it and that's what I have done ever since.

"Things were a bit old fashioned in my early days. Our equipment comprised blankets, oxygen, a carry-chair and a first aid kit.

"Our instructions were to load the patient into the ambulance and then get to hospital as quick as possible, unlike today, when the pre-hospital care is amazing.

"I loved every minute of it. The people you work with are great and the hospital staff are all so friendly you could not wish for a better job."