A man described as 'the grandfather of the fire service' in the Isle of Man has received a top United Kingdom national award.

Mike Ventre from Onchan was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, for services to the 'fire community', at the annual Spirit of Fire award ceremony at Homerton College, Cambridge.

The event is organised by the Fire Services Benevolent Fund (FSNBF), and the presentation was made by veteran broadcaster Michael Aspel.

Mike was accompanied by his daughter, Maria, the Island's Chief Fire Officer, Brian Draper, and Deputy Chief, Bruce Kirkham. They had managed to conceal the true nature of the evening from him, so the award came as a complete surprise.

A media release from the Department of Home Affairs says that, following military service, Mike Ventre had a long and meritorious career in the Isle of Man fire service, from 1956 to 1982. He rose to the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer.

In retirement he has devoted himself to the work of the FSNBF, including the welfare of the many retired firefighters and their dependents.

According to Mr Draper, he is generally considered 'the grandfather of the fire service in the Island'. He says Mr Ventre made a significant contribution to the development of the fire service during his long career and continues to do valuable work for retired members. Mr Draper says 'the award is well deserved and everybody involved with the fire service in the Island is thrilled that his effort and achievements have received national recognition'.

Of the ten awards handed over during the presentation evening the one for 'Lifetime Achievement' was the most prestigious.

(Image: Broadcaster Michael Aspel, left, and Mike Ventre).