A SOUTH Lakeland helicopter pilot is retiring after 18 years service with the North West Air Ambulance.

Neil Airey was forced to bring his professional flying career to end by law having reached the age of 60 this week.

Mr Airey, of Spark Bridge, near Ulverston, has flown to more than 6,000 rescue missions since joining the charity in 2000, a year after it was formed.

"It's never been a surprise that I'd have to retire, it's always been on the horizon," he said.

"I have loved being a part of it. I can't always enjoy it because at the end of the day what we do is not lightweight and we do see some quite grim things.

"I've loved the flying. I've been to more than 6,000 missions, and I have seen an awful lot."

Mr Airey, who also had a 20-year career in the Royal Air Force, was called to three missions on his final day in the job.

His last mission saw him called out to assist the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team to transport a patient to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

Paying tribute to Mr Airey's service, Heather Arrowsmith, CEO of the North West Air Ambulance Charity, said: "He is a legend of the aviation scene, recognised as the Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year, and a truly irreplaceable member of our community," she said.

"Everyone at the North West Air Ambulance Charity, from our staff to our volunteers to our supporters, are incredibly proud of his service and thank him sincerely.

"Neil is one of a kind, and his resolve, dedication and charisma will be missed across the charity, especially at our Blackpool base. "Though his final flight was bittersweet, we know this isn’t truly good-bye to our much-loved Captain Airey.