FIREFIGHTERS who rescued people from a blaze in a block of flats were amongst those honoured in a special awards ceremony.Michael Smith and PC Tim Walker each received a Chief Fire Officer's Commendation for their part in saving the residents in a block of flats in Trimley St Martin in July this year.

FIREFIGHTERS who rescued people from a blaze in a block of flats were amongst those honoured in a special awards ceremony.

Michael Smith and PC Tim Walker each received a Chief Fire Officer's Commendation for their part in saving the residents in a block of flats in Trimley St Martin in July this year.

The awards were given out at a ceremony held at the Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds to recognise public protection work in the county.

Bury St Edmunds Fire Station won the Community Safety Award, while Woodbridge Fire Station was judged to be Best Retained Station.

Steve Greenfield, head of Suffolk County Council's Trading Standards Service was awarded a Director's Award for his work in making the service more efficient through introducing new ways of working. In all, 39 awards were made to people from all areas of the county.

Joanna Spicer, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for public protection, said: “The ceremony showed the high regard that people in Suffolk have for the Fire and Rescue Service, and its role in making Suffolk one of the safest places to live and work in.

“It was also important to honour other people who have contributed to this, through their acts of sacrifice, and their work in areas such as trading standards and social inclusion.”

The ceremony, on the 60th anniversary of Suffolk Fire Service, also saw people awarded long service and good conduct medals, long service certificates and vocational awards.