THIRTEEN firefighters from across west Northumberland were recognised for their service to the community at a Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal awards ceremony.

The awards honour long service and reward employees with over 20 years service with a long service and good conduct medal.

Recognition was also given to employees who have shown exceptional dedication within their roles and several teams and employees were commended for their work and actions within the service.

The awards were given to full and part time firefighters across all ranks within the fire service and each recipient is nominated by the Chief Fire Officer. The honour is bestowed by Her Majesty the Queen in accordance with a new royal warrant.

Among those honoured at Prudhoe Community Fire Station were crew manager Kim Shutt (20 years) and watch manager Lee Dickinson (20 years).

From Hexham, watch manager Mark Dowthwaite (20 years); firefighter Steven Walker (20 years); crew manager Ridley Armstrong (21 years); station manager Gary Laskey (20 years); joined firefighters Tom Oliver and Paul Cameron to pick up awards.

At Bellingham, crew manager Gordon Murray (20 years) and crew manager Kyle Grant (20 years) were recognised alongside crew manager Ben Chruszczewski.

Haltwhistle watch manager, Tracy Irwin (20 years) and Allendale crew manager Michael Fairless (40 years), also picked up awards at the event.

Chief Fire Officer at Northumberland Fire and Rescue, Paul Hedley, said: "This award ceremony is a great opportunity for us to say thank you to all the amazing fire and rescue staff we have throughout Northumberland.

"I am delighted that we had the opportunity to honour hundreds of years of service at our awards ceremony and this demonstrates the fantastic and dedicated work of our personnel and the real difference they make to people’s lives on a daily basis."

Bellingham's Coun. John Riddle, cabinet member with responsibility for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Congratulations to all employees who received awards and recognition for their continued service and support and I would like to thank all those employees for their dedication to the service."