TWO of the Fylde's unsung heroes - firefighters who think nothing of scrambling into flame-filled buildings to rescue trapped victims - have been awarded medals for their good conduct and long service.

Firefighters Philip Smith and Frank Murphy were presented with their awards at Lancashire County Fire Brigade International Training Centre in Chorley on Tuesday evening (November 25).

Receiving his award in front of proud wife Karen and their four-year-old son Nicholas, Philip of Kidbrooke Avenue, South Shore, said: "This has come round quicker than I thought. It just doesn't seem like 20 years."

He recalled his memories of joining the fire service in 1977 - the year he got married - as a raw recruit only to find that the firefighters were all about to go on strike.

"It was all rather confusing," he said.

He added that he had joined the fire service looking for, "something with a bit of adventure, that was not too routine" and said that he had not been disappointed.

"I have enjoyed every job so far, whether it's been mopping the floor or going to a fire.

"The only hard bit of the job is when there are serious casualties or fatalities, that's always difficult," he added.

Nevertheless, he said he was looking forward to another 10 good years in the service.

Frank, 45, of Church Road, St Annes, who also joined in 1977, received his award in front of his 84-year-old mother, sister and two teenage daughters, Rebecca and Sarah.

Speaking about his achievement, Frank said: "I joined the fire service out of a desire to put something back into the community where I lived.

"I feel very proud to be receiving this medal."

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