Longest serving civil defence volunteer honoured

Norman McBride is the longest serving civil defence volunteer in the British Isles

An Isle of Man volunteer celebrating 40 years with the civil defence has said he is "very proud" to be recognised for his long service.

Norman McBride, 68, joined the island's Civil Defence branch in 1984, making him the longest serving member in the British Isles.

Across four decades he has assisted in five aircraft crashes, the "horrendous" snow of 2013, and many searches for missing people.

Mr McBride, who will be presented with the second bar to his Long Service Medal later this year, said he had made "incredible memories and many good friends" over the years.

Joining the Civil Defence after serving in the army, he said volunteering had let him "feel useful and to give back to our island community and be part of something bigger".

He said: "I’m very proud to receive recognition of my service."

Mr McBride met Queen Camilla during her visit to Douglas this week

A spokesman said Mr McBride was "still an integral part of the island’s volunteer response team".

During his time volunteering he was trained in flood response, hill search and rescue, 4x4 driving, rest centre training and using various pieces of emergency and lifesaving equipment.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said Mr McBride had "had a remarkable journey embracing the spirit of volunteering that keeps our community strong".

The 68-year-old had had "40 years of making a real impact", she said.

Mr McBride said he would "absolutely encourage anyone to become a volunteer".

"The sense of accomplishment you get in supporting people in need is unbeatable," he added.