WHEN York man Brian Freeborn joined the ambulance service, his intention was to change jobs when "something better came along".

But it was not long before he was hooked on the job - and 28 years later Brian, of Huntington, has just retired from York Ambulance Station, where he has been based throughout his career

"Nothing better did come along," he said. "It couldn't have - I've enjoyed it so much.

"The camaraderie with colleagues has been fantastic and I have met some really interesting people. Most patients have fascinating stories to tell, even if they are really ill they regale you with tales of their lives.

"The highlight of my career was probably becoming a paramedic, because it meant you could do so much more for a patient."

Brian, 65, worked as an electrical engineer and ran a pleasure boat on the River Nene, Northamptonshire, before joining the ambulance service at the age of 37.

"When I first started, the equipment was very basic - we couldn't even take blood pressure," he said. "Now we have a range of lifesaving equipment and drugs, and the ambulances are far superior, as is the training."

Brian has attended hundreds of jobs over the years, ranging from accidents involving cars and trains to suicides. But it has not all been doom and gloom

"I have delivered 18 babies and successfully resuscitated 12 patients," he said. "In many cases I have seen tomorrow's headlines before they appear in print."

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, September 15, 2004