TEN county-based firefighters and fire service support staff have been honoured during an awards ceremony at Hereford Town Hall.

The staff were recognised for their outstanding service and commitment to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS).

Accolades were presented by Lady Darnley, the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, and the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Edward Harley.

Chief Fire Officer, Mark Yates, and chairman of the Fire Authority, Derek Prodger, were also present.

Receiving a Long Service and Good Conduct medal was crew commander at Eardisley, Nicholas Baker, Hereford firefighter, Wayne Hanson, and crew commander at Fownhope, Andrew Jones.

Outstanding Service Medals for completing 35 years’ service went to Firefighter Stephen Pedlingham and Andrew Davies, based at Kington. Hereford-based firefighter, Martin Reynolds, also received an honour for clocking up 30 years.

The Chief Fire Officer’s Letter of Congratulations rounded off the evening.

The letters are given to staff or members of the public who have shown acts of courage or bravery, performed to a high standard under difficult circumstances, or made a significant contribution in the delivery of a fire service project.

This year, letters were awarded to the Ross-on-Wye-based quintet of Watch Commander Adrian Phillips, plus firefighters Daniel Gray, Matthew Richardson, Patrick Murphy and Simon Griffiths.

The team is part of the fire service's Ross-on-Wye Road Traffic Collison extrication competition team which has competed in many competitions since forming in 2012.

Mr Yates said: "Once again, I’m extremely proud to be part of the annual Herefordshire Medal and Awards Ceremony which recognises some of the exceptional talent and dedication of our staff.

"Every single one of the award recipients has shown an exceptional level of passion, professionalism and commitment, whether that has been through long service, through an act of bravery or simply going above and beyond the normal call of duty."