ECCENTRIC Richard Checksfield has gone without power at his York home for the last 26 years - and he is an electrician!

The 70-year-old, who lives an 18th century-like existence in an isolated bungalow near Dunnington, chooses to read by candlelight, keep warm beside a large coal fire and wash in cold rainwater.

Richard, who has been a qualified sparky for 55 years, said installing electricity in his own home would cost more than £6,000. "It's too expensive," he told the Evening Press.

"I'm not prepared to fork out all that cash when I can live just as well without it.

"All my friends think I'm crackers but I'm quite happy."

Richard stores rain water in a giant tub outside his house which he uses for washing himself and his clothes.

He cooks by heating pans over a coal fire, while dozens of candles and a paraffin lamp provide him with light.

The only signs of modern life are a battery-powered radio and telephone.

"I'm completely self-sufficient," he said.

"I suppose it may seem a bit eccentric but it suits me."

A spokesman for Yorkshire Electricity said: "This is a most unusual case. We don't get many people who actually don't want electricity."

Updated: 11:15 Thursday, October 11, 2001