A YORK pilot making his final commercial landing before the journey into retirement received a special toast from staff at Leeds Bradford Airport.

When Captain Murray Addison, of Acaster Malbis, landed flight KL1543 at Leeds-Bradford Airport he was greeted by two airport fire tenders which created an amazing water arch over his Fokker 100 jet.

After disembarking from the Amsterdam to Leeds flight, he was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

"It was a little bit emotional saying goodbye to everyone," he said. "I would like to thank all those involved in arranging this super send-off and all those I have worked with over the years."

Captain Addison was born in Bristol, but moved to York when he was eight.

He now lives in Intake Lane, Acaster Malbis, with his wife, Avril. They have two grown-up daughters and two grandchildren.

His father was a wartime bomber pilot and his brother is former footballer and manager Colin Addison.

Captain Addison began flying 25 years ago as a member of Sherburn Aero Club, at Sherburn-in-Elmet, before turning his hobby into a career.

In 1989 he left the television trade and became a commercial pilot with Air UK, now Dutch airline KLM, in 1989.

He celebrated his 60th birthday with a surprise party at the Ship Inn with family and friends attending from all over the country.

Captain Addison said: "I have no set plans now. I am just going to enjoy my retirement for the time being, although I will continue flying."

Updated: 08:45 Thursday, July 31, 2003