LANCASHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has honoured a group of brave firefighters who risked their life in a rescue attempt.

The officers received awards for their efforts in May last year when they attended a devastating fire in Talbot Road, Blackpool.

Four officers from Blackpool Fire Station, Christopher Newiss, Martyn Ball, Mark Cairns and Trevor McVittie, entered the building despite intense heat and flames from a fire started by an unattended pan.

Unfortunately, two people died in the blaze but the officers and their colleagues were commended for their efforts in the rescue in which a man and his younger brother were saved. Officers Newiss, Ball, Cairns and McVittie received medals for their bravery while seven others received commendations for their efforts.

A BLACKPOOL fireman has been awarded a medal for dedication after spending 20 years in the fire service.

Anthony Yates, a breathing apparatus instructor based at Bispham Fire Station, has worked at various sites in the area during this time including Blackpool, St Annes, Fleetwood and South Shore fire stations.

He was awarded a special medal by the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Rodney Swarbrick, in a ceremony recently.

John Taylor from Lancashire Fire Service said: "Given that these people put their lives on the line week in week out, to do it for 20 years is no small feat.

"Anthony's dedication to the community has been recognised with this special medal for good conduct and we congratulate him on this."

Members of Green Watch at the presentation by Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland (third right). (Picture: Bettina Bernard, Lancashire Fire and Rescue.)