AUXILIARY COASTGUARD RETIRES AFTER 42 YEARS SERVICE

Auxiliary Coastguard David Wood has responded to cliff and beach rescue calls from the age of 18, and has seen many changes in the service over the years.

Mr. Wood followed in the footsteps of his father, who was an auxiliary coastguard at Portsoy before moving to Buckie.

Geddes, Mr Wood's brother, is the officer-in-charge at Buckie and his niece, Karen, is also part of the team.

He said: "I won't miss the pager going off, but I will miss the friendship and camaraderie."

Four years ago, Mr Wood took part in a mock emergency situation, which involved him being airlifted from a boat in the North Sea and taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

All the emergency services were in action, along with a Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth.

He said: "We are the eyes and ears for Aberdeen, we help keep them informed. Mainly we deal with on-shore rescue that includes cliff rescue. I've saved a few sheep in my time."

Mr. Wood has served the maximum time allowed in the Coastguard service, but remembers when the service was quite different.

He said: "The service is much more efficient than it was when I started.

"There used to be guys in their 70s serving, but 60 is the retirement age now."

Mr. Wood was presented with a hip flask and certificate at a ceremony to mark his retirement.