A HEROIC neighbour who saved a former Ipswich Town player from his burning home was one of those to receive a Public Protection Award at a ceremony.The awards, which were organised by the Suffolk County Council, praised service and dedication to protecting the public in Suffolk and the wider community and included fire, trading standards and police officers as well as the heroes of pensioner Ted Pool.

HEROIC neighbours who saved a former Ipswich Town player from his burning home have received a Public Protection Award at a ceremony in Suffolk.

The awards, which were organised by the county council, praised service and dedication to protecting the public in the community and honoured fire, trading standards and police officers alongside the heroes who rescued former footballer Ted Pool.

It was at 6am on New Year's Eve last year that Guy Baker, of Goring Road, Ipswich, heard Mr Pool's smoke alarm sounding and went to investigate.

On noticing a fire inside the property he and another neighbour, Sidney Humbles, battled thick smoke and flames to save the 83-year-old and use a garden hose to tackle the fire.

The former Town centre forward, who had lived at the house since he played for the club in the 1940s, now resides in Felixstowe.

Brantham-based Wardle Storeys employee, Ron Scutcher, was another commended at the ceremony, on November 16.

On November 29 last year he heard a loud bang and saw a large amount of black smoke and tall flames coming from a chemical-mixer shed.

When a figure emerged covered in flames he set off the fire alarm, took off his jacket and wrapped it around the person.

He put out the flames on the figure, who he later found out was a colleague, and went to a nearby shower room where he cooled him down. He then took him to the first aid facility and treated him for shock.

Joanna Spicer, councillor responsible for public protection, was among those handing out awards.

She said: “I'd like to pay tribute to the members of the public and colleagues in the police who have shown such tremendous and inspiring examples of selfless bravery saving the lives of others."

There were also four chief fire officer commendations, 17 long service medals and three firms recognised for their commitment to protecting their communities.