A FIRE station and its crew in the Vale has been recognised for its outstanding service at an awards ceremony.

The occasion was the Warwickshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service's annual awards which recognised the work fire stations and their crew do in the community.

Receiving the Chief Fire Officer's Community Achievement Award, Bidford Fire Station was told they were one of the most pro-active retained stations, regularly being actively seen in and around the village raising money for good causes.

Most recently this included a donation to Bidford Primary School which was used to provide equipment in the reception class play area and “forest school”, used as a play and relaxation area.

Bidford was described as "one of the Brigades most reliable retained stations, and a great example of the status and high esteem a retained fire station represents in their local community."

Also receiving an award was Bidford fire fighter Michael Horton. He received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal which is presented to those who have completed 20 years' operational service and have demonstrated their good conduct, loyalty and devotion to duty in that time.

Chief Fire Officer, Andy Hickmott said: “It was a real privilege as the Chief Fire Officer to be able to recognise those staff who have completed 20 years’ meritorious service or have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep their communities safe. The ceremony provided me with a great opportunity to personally thank them for their commitment and dedication to the service and to the communities they serve.”

Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for Community Safety, Councillor Les Caborn said: “I would like to personally congratulate all those who received awards at the ceremony. It was a pleasure to see Warwickshire firefighters being recognised for the great work they do within our communities."

Chairman of Warwickshire County Council, Brian Moss added: “I would like to thank them on behalf of Warwickshire residents for the dedication to our community. This ceremony collectively represents over 160 years of commitment and dedication to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and that is something we can all be really proud of.”