GRASSINGTON fire crew celebrated an historic day this week as the station's status was officially upgraded to retained.

Years of hard work and dedication have been rewarded as crew members will now receive up to £2,500 a year to provide round-the-clock cover for Upper Wharfedale.

Previously the team was paid a fee for each emergency call they responded to, or any training undertaken. Now the crew, which trains as rigorously as any other, will receive the retained fee as well.

North Yorkshire Chief Fire Officer Nigel Hutchinson joined past and present crew members at a gathering to mark the occasion on Wednesday.

He said Grassington fully deserved its new status, adding: "What's important is that by giving the local crew full retained status they are established as a professional fire crew.

"They now have their own identity and their own responsibilities."

The station also boasts a new fire appliance complete with specialised cutting equipment. It means the team can now attend road traffic collisions which were previously dealt with by neighbouring crews.

Lead firefighter at Grassington, Andy Howick, said: "Now with the fully retained status we can respond to every callout. In the early days we were very limited.

"The crew is very excited. We're pleased the chief has come to join us today. It shows all the hard work put in here has paid off."

The newly upgraded station is also on the lookout for more recruits. For more information about joining the team contact Dave Winspear or Simon Render on 01756 692560.