A BRAVE neighbour who saved a disabled man and his dog from a house fire in Malvern was among those honoured at a fire service awards ceremony.

Courageous Phil Hall was honoured during the Worcestershire Medals and Awards Ceremony which recognises the dedication and courage of firefighters, fire service staff and members of the public.

The chief fire officer’s certificate of commendation was awarded to Phil Hall for his efforts in May 2016 when rescuing his elderly, disabled neighbour during the Worcestershire Medals and Awards Ceremony.

That morning Mr Hall and his partner, Mo Hogan, were in their house in Green Lane, Malvern when they became aware of a strong smell of burning.

On investigation, they could see fire and smoke coming from the roof of the house across the road where elderly and disabled Mr Bishop lived.

Ms Hogan contacted the fire service and Mr Hall raced across to help Mr Bishop.

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Phil banged on the front door to raise the alarm and then saw Mr Bishop standing at his bedroom window, unaware of the blaze that was developing immediately above him.

"Phil collected a hammer from the garage, broke through the front door and raced upstairs through the smoke to find that Mr Bishop was no longer there.

"Will little regard for his own safety, Phil swept through each of the bedrooms in search of Mr Bishop and was relieved to find that Mr. Bishop had made his way onto his stair lift on the rear stairs.

"With smoke percolating from the roof space and the sound of crackling fire nearby, Phil calmly assisted Mr Bishop down the stairs and out of the house, stopping only to rescue Mr Bishop’s pet dog.

"Phil’s actions can only be described as an act of incredible bravery which shouldn’t be underestimated. Not only did he undoubtedly save Mr Bishop’s life that day, he also reduced the risk to the responding fire crews by ensuring that ‘all persons were accounted for’, prior to their arrival.

The ceremony was held on Friday, September 16 for firefighters and fire service support staff from across the county.

During the ceremony, accolades were presented to employees by deputy lord lieutenant of Worcestershire viscount Cobham, high sheriff of Worcestershire Sir Nicholas Lechmere Bt, chairman of the FRA Cllr Derek Prodger and chief fire officer Nathan Travis.

The ceremony began with the fire brigade’s long service and good conduct medals, awarded by the deputy lord lieutenant of Worcestershire to those who have given 20 years’ commendable service.

Recipients included crew commander Julie Hodges, station commander Daryl Justice, watch commander Simon Link, firefighter Stuart Middleton, watch commander Roberto Mourino and firefighter Chris Papworth.

Watch commander Gary Bumfrey was awarded with an outstanding service medal for completing 35 years’ service and firefighter Roger Kirkwood was presented with a thirty years’ service award.

The Young Fire Fighters Association was also recognised, with the high sheriff presenting his own annual award to the top young fire fighter.

This year’s award was presented to Sarah Williams - who is a member of the Redditch branch of the Young Fire Fighters Association - for her determination and enthusiasm.

The chairman’s certificates of commendation were awarded toBill Davison for providing staff training on electrical installations, and the Rev Dick Johnson for his ongoing commitment to CIST (Critical Incident Support Team).