A SEVEN-year-old girl who saved her family from a fire became the youngest person in the county to receive a Chief Fire Officer's Commendation for her bravery.
Ashleigh Swales, (right) of Grizedale Crescent, Preston got herself, her four brothers and sisters, plus mum Andrea and her partner, to safety in February.
The blaze, caused by a discarded cigarette, started in the lounge while the family was sleeping.
The Moor Nook Primary School pupil had remembered the fire safety advice taught at her school by firefighters, and knew exactly what to do on the night.
"That night Ashleigh faced up to a terrifying situation that an adult would have found daunting, and reacted in a way that brilliantly illustrates the value of child safety education," said Peter Holland, chief fire officer for Lancashire.
Ashleigh's mother Andrea Hodgson, 27, added: "It has meant a lot to Ashleigh getting the award, I am very proud of her."
At a ceremony at the Blackpool Road fire station Ashleigh was given a certificate, gift vouchers, and a Preston Teddy bear by the city's Mayor, Councillor Bhikhu Patel.
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