A VETERAN who made an ‘invaluable contribution’ to the safety and security of the UK has been honoured.

Former RAF aircraft engineer Michael Kirby, 88, has received a Nuclear Test Medal.

The retired Knutsford serviceman volunteered go to Australia for a year in 1957, during Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dad-of-three Michael, who worked in Warrington for many years, said: “My first day in Australia was on my 21st birthday.

“A squadron of Canberra aircraft flew through the clouds after a nuclear bomb had dropped to measure the radioactive effect and take samples.

“I was a member of the electronics engineer ground crew.

“The safety officer wouldn’t allow us near the planes for two hours because they were so radioactive.

“We then serviced and refuelled the planes.

“I was an aircraft apprentice. It was like having a year out.

“I always considered it far better than university because it is deeper.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled the medal last November, 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon.

Warrington Guardian: The ribbon design includes white, yellow, black and red, with the lighter blue for the sky and ocean, representative of the PacificThe ribbon design includes white, yellow, black and red, with the lighter blue for the sky and ocean, representative of the Pacific (Image: Daniel Belcher)

The medal, which features an atom surrounded by olive branches, bears the words ‘Nuclear Test Medal’.

The honour will be bestowed on veterans and civilian staff across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati and includes servicemen, scientists and local employees.

The simplicity of the design reflects the multitude of different roles that were carried out by the broad range of recipients.

“I am quite proud,” said Michael, who joined the RAF when he was 16 and continued to serve until 1976.

He retired as an air chief technician and went into industry, working at Racal Electronics in Warrington for 15 years.

Michael then became a consultant at Salford University.

Knutsford family barber Daniel Belcher, of Guys Salon on Canute Place, has been cutting Michael’s hair for 20 years.

Warrington Guardian: Family barber Daniel Belcher congratulates Michael Kirby on receiving a Nuclear Test MedalFamily barber Daniel Belcher congratulates Michael Kirby on receiving a Nuclear Test Medal (Image: Daniel Belcher)

Dan, 43, who took over the salon from his dad, David, said: “Michael has known me since I was a boy.

“He is our longest standing client.

“We are very proud of him. This is a great achievement.”