Two Malmesbury men were among people commended for their actions by Wiltshire chief fire officer, Andy Goves.

Terry Fairfield and Paul Eardley ran to the scene of a serious road traffic collision in Old Alexander Road Malmesbury, in May of last year.

They found the driver trapped, although the passenger had been able to escape.

The stakes were raised a few moments later when the car caught fire. Mr Fairfield ran back to his house to get a fire extinguisher.

But by the time he returned to the vehicle, it was well alight so he and Mr Eardley put their own lives at risk dragging the driver to safety.

Mr Goves commended the two men for their calm and courageous response in a traumatic situation.

Mr Goves also presented commendation certificates to some of his own personnel.

Swindon firefighter Jason Close was at Heathrow airport in November last year to collect his wife and a friend when he saw an elderly man collapse to the floor.

After quickly assessing the man’s condition, Mr Close began resuscitation while his wife called for an ambulance.

Mr Close used a defibrillator provided by airport staff to assist the stricken man. Although the man’s heart did restart, he died in hospital two days later.

Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, John Bush, presented 18 members of the fire and rescue service with their long service and good conduct medals.

These awards are not automatic and only by personal recommendation of the chief fire officer. They are awarded under Royal Warrant.

The recipients were: crew manager Dave Bunworth from Chippenham, watch manager Tom Burns from Calne, watch manager Mike Carter from Stratton, watch manager Jane Heap based at control in Devizes, crew manager Russell Lewns from Chippenham, firefighter John Marshall from Ramsbury, firefighter Dave Messenger from Cricklade, crew manager Rob Millican from Cricklade, firefighter Phil Moore from Warminster, crew manager Jason Nightingale from Salisbury, firefighter Andrew O’Rourke from Cooper Tires, firefighter Simon Owen from Westlea, firefighter Clive Pearce from Calne, firefighter Garey Perrett from Chippenham, crew manager Jim Shaw from Westbury, firefighter Chris Thomas from Malmesbury and crew manager Dave White from Melksham.