AN ON-CALL firefighter from Otley has received an award for protecting his community for 20 years.

James Utley has now completed two decades at Otley Fire Station - and in doing so continued a family tradition . His father, Kenneth served at Otley station for 23 years while his brother-in-law was a firefighter there for 30.

James is a print finisher for Otley firm William Sinclair and Sons, and has been supported by the business - which is allows him to leave when he gets a call-out - throughout his career.

He received the Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, for completing 20 years of exceptional service, at a presentation ceremony at Birkenshaw.

He said: “I’m so proud to be able to serve my community.

“I offer the maximum amount of hours I can as an on-call firefighter, which is 120 per week, as I hate the thought of someone being in difficulty and me being sat at home! When I first started out the extra money was helpful too, especially after having my daughter, Amelia, but it’s just part of all our lives now - in fact I’m hoping to make it to 30 years’ service.”

James has tackled a variety of incidents over his two decades with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, including chimney fires, mill building blazes and moor fires. His wife Jane, mum Norma and daughter Amelia were all attended the awards ceremony.

He said: “It was such a great day; in fact Amelia enjoyed it so much she even said she might fancy joining the service which, obviously, I’d support her in. To anyone thinking of applying I’d say do it. It’s a brilliant role and that’s what’s kept me here.”

James’s Watch Commander Martin Bleasdale, who has worked with him at Otley station for 15 years, added: “James has been a fantastic firefighter for 20 years. He’s a pleasure to work with and brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the team.

“He’s also been instrumental in assisting trainee firefighters with their training. I’d also like to thank his family and his employer, William Sinclair and Sons. We are grateful for their understanding and flexibility in allowing him to work with us.”

For more details about becoming an on-call firefighter visit https://oncall.joinwyfirefighters.com/ .