A BROTHER and sister team who crawled through a blaze to save an unconscious pensioner were among five local people presented with police bravery awards this week. Philip and Judith Raby, of Ingleton Drive, in Lancaster, received a certificate from the Liverpool Shipwreck Humane Society - awarded for heroic deeds - after they saved a wheelchair-bound pensioner whose house had set on fire from an overheated electric blanket. Constables Chris Kinson and Adele Brookbanks and Sgt John Duckworth were also given the certificate after bravely searching for trapped residents in a blaze at a block of flats on St George's Quay.

Judith, who is a carer, said they were very surprised to have been rewarded for their rescue.

She said: "It all happened so quickly but we had to do something and we were the only ones about. I crawled in and tried to pull the wheelchair out but it was melting and the smoke was suffocating.

Philip, a retired nurse, said: "In the end we both went in and pulled him out, it was very dangerous and we nearly choked to death."

The three police officers who tried to rescue residents trapped in a blaze were also praised for their efforts above and beyond the call of duty.

Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to local businesses, EH Booth in Carnforth, Adam and Gaskells and Dr Mechie and Partners who have helped the police (providing officers for the specials reserve) to serve the local community.

Chief Insp Bernard Kershaw said: "We are all here to do our job to ensure that the community of Lancashire feels safe, involved and reassured. Police specials who take time off from work are required at short notice and they're invaluable."

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