A PART-TIME firefighter from Goathland has been given a special award after becoming what is believed to be the nation's longest-serving volunteer.

Mick Atkinson, 70, who still farms at Goathland House Farm, was one of the original volunteers when the moors station was set up 41 years ago.

He recently received a bronze statuette of a firefighter as a token of the brigade's appreciation for his long service.

The station was formed in the winter of 1964 following a blaze at a joiner's shop in the village.

Mr Atkinson explained: "In those days there was a stand pipe and buckets in the village for people to use when there was a fire. Myself and a lot of the local lads helped put the blaze out and the lady who owned the property got in touch with the Yorkshire brigade. They called a meeting and we were formed in the July, with six or seven of us receiving basic training."

Mr Atkinson recalled the summer of 1976 as his biggest challenge as a firefighter. A drought caused by the long, hot summer turned the moors into a tinderbox, and the Goathland team were out most nights for about six weeks tackling blazes on the land.

He said: "I used to go out at about 9.30 at night after working on the farm and would be out until 4am some nights.

"Over the years we've had a lot of moors fires, and chimney fires in the winter, but that was the worst."

Although he is no longer on call, Mr Atkinson is still retained for his vast experience and knowledge of the area.

"I know the moors like the back of my hand," he said, "and I 'm there to give my support when it's needed.

"I'll stop on as long as they want me.