TWO employees who work for Cumbria's gas emergency service have deferred their retirement to help keep people safe and warm in homes, hospitals and other buildings.

Unprompted, Mike Aldridge and Alan Brown, who cover the Lake District area, have voluntarily decided to keep working.

They are part of a team of Cadent emergency gas engineers, ready to reach reports of smells of gas or possible carbon monoxide incidents within an hour if the situation requires it.

The first-call operators, both 58, are due to retire this year after over 80 years’ service between them – but have decided to keep on working instead.

Mr Brown said: I’ve decided it’s right that I put off retirement for now and help out. It’ll keep me busy and means we can help keep people warm in their homes.”