PARAMEDIC Steve Callaghan has been at the sharp end of the medical profession for a period spanning 20 years - but he wouldn't change his job for the world.

Today, Friday, Steve is due to get his Long Service and Good Conduct Award personally from the Queen.

But paramedics like him are in such demand that he hasn't got a day off to receive the commendation. Instead Steve, of Heather Close, Locking Stumps, has had to swap shifts with a colleague.

Steve started his career with the ambulance service in 1977. Before that he had been working at Penketh Swimming Baths, but after a conversation with his neighbour, who was an ambulance driver, he decided to start a new career.

Steve, who is stationed in Manchester, said: "I enjoy the job, it's great. I don't think I would give it up even if I won the Lottery, although there are times on a Friday or Saturday night when I change my mind!"

In 1985 Steve raised £20,000 for a portable defibrillator for his then station in Sale, and was promoted to officer. But he didn't enjoy being taken away from the front line and asked to return to ambulance work, this time as a paramedic.

Despite the lengthy 12 hour shifts and unsocial hours, Steve is a well know face around Locking Stumps. He was on the PTA at the primary school and every year devotes his holidays to taking disabled and disadvantaged children away.

The presentation takes place during the visit of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the Greater Manchester Ambulance Service.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to the presentation. My family are coming to see it and we are going to make a day of it."

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