GREATER Manchester's fire service has won a top award for safety.

Only two weeks after Ramsbottom fireman Paul Metcalf died as he attempted to save a teenager from a Holcombe lodge, the County Fire Service has been awarded the Health at Work Award - the first award of its kind to be gained by any fire brigade in the country.

The brigade achieved Level 3 - the highest available - of the Health Education Authority award.

County Fire Officer George Almond said: "Every aspect of employees' occupational health has been addressed, even the more difficult aspects such as stress at work, alcohol and smoking.

"I am extremely pleased that the brigade has won this award and it is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our staff."

In addition to the brigade's health policy, a number of health initiatives were also implemented.

These included stress management booklets, healthy eating week, women's health day, no smoking day and a men's health day.

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