FIREFIGHTERS from Worcester have been recognised for their heroic work during last year's floods and for saving a man's life.

The crews have been given commendations from chief fire officer Nathan Travis after they saved a man's life in the city, as well as their efforts in helping Tenbury Wells residents deal with the floods.

A crew commander also received a similar award for his work in locating and then saving the life of a vulnerable missing person in Worcester.

In February near Tenbury Wells, station commander Gareth Taylor and watch commander Nathan Preece played significant roles in locating a casualty clinging to small branches in floods and in imminent danger of drowning.

They were able to rescue the casualty who then received lifesaving care from paramedic Simon Clare of HART, who also received a CFO’s Commendation.

The casualty was taken to hospital by air ambulance and subsequently survived.

Back in November 2019, crew commander Simon Rudge was part of the fire crew that located an injured casualty and dressed her wounds before briefing paramedics and helping to carry the casualty to a waiting ambulance.

At the informal socially-distanced ceremony, Chief Fire Officer Travis also took the opportunity to present FF Huw Edwards with his Long Service and Good Conduct medal, to mark 20 years of dedicated service.

The floods saw large parts of the county cut off, causing extensive damage to properties all over Worcestershire.

In Tenbury, a woman, 55 year-old Yvonne Booth from Great Barr, died after she was swept into flood water.

Residents of Powick were given shelter in hotels in Malvern after flood water devastated the village, while residents of nearby Powick Mills were marooned and unable to leave for several days.