Mine clearance expert awarded OBE honour

FROM Somaliland to Cambodia, Consett-born Mick Raine has spent decades clearing landmines across the globe.

- SAM VOLPE

Mine clearance expert Mick Raine, now an OBE

He has now been made an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

Mick, 61, told The Journal how it was a special honour - but that his role was rewarding in and of itself.

Mick currently leads the work of charity APOPO in Cambodia - using specially-trained dogs and rats to clear landmines.

He said: "I am very proud to receive this and the recognition that comes with it.

"Initially, I joined the Navy as a clearance diver and spent 11 and a half years doing that, including serving in the first Gulf War.

"After leaving, I switched across to the humanitarian world, still doing mine clearance and dealing with explosive ordinance. My first post was in Somaliland.

"I have worked for a number of INGOs (international nongovernmental organisations) and also the United Nations through the UN Mine Action Service.