A LONG-SERVING paramedic has retired after 27 years as a Blackburn ambulanceman.

Michael Ainsworth, of Pemberton Street, Blackburn has worked as a paramedic for the best part of his working life.

He decided to join the ambulance service after he attended a first aid course at St John's Ambulance 28 years ago and found he enjoyed practising first aid, which was when he signed up to be a paramedic.

Michael said he was looking forward to his retirement, although he would miss his friends and colleagues who he has worked so closely with over the years.

He said: "It has been a long time but all good things have to come to an end at some point.

"I have lots of little bits of hobbies that I want to take part in which I haven't tried before -- so I am looking forward to that. I will keep myself busy most of the time, I couldn't sit at home doing nothing or else I would go mad."

Carl Whitaker, Michael's supervisor at Blackburn Ambulance Station, said: "Michael has been a pleasure to work alongside over the years and was fantastic at his job, as anybody will tell you.

"He got on well with everybody here and he will be greatly missed by us all but we wish him all the luck in the world with whatever he ends up doing."

Michael was thrown a leaving party by friends and work mates on his last day on Friday at the ambulance headquarters in Blackburn and he was presented with his leaving gift -- a tankard -- and lots of cards.

The day was rounded off with a huge buffet.