TWO Herefordshire employers have been recognised for the huge support they have given to the fire service by supporting members of their staff to become on-call firefighters.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Herefordshire held its awards evening earlier this month.

Polytec Car Styling, in Bromyard, and Arrow Plant Hire, in Kington, became the first recipients of a new award.

The chief fire officer's employer award was handed over by chief officer Jon Pryce to Nick Sturrock, Liam Naven-Jones, and Simon Halling from Polytec and Peter Jones from Arrow.

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Ledbury Reporter: Nick Sturrock, Liam Naven-Jones and Simon Halling from Polytec Nick Sturrock, Liam Naven-Jones and Simon Halling from Polytec (Image: Hereford and Worcester Rescue and Fire Service)

This is in recognition of the way in which the two firms have continued to provide on-call members of staff to the fire service in support of their local community.

Members of Polytec Car Styling staff have been supporting the on-call section since 1990 while Peter Jones of Arrow Plant Hire, who was himself an on-call firefighter for 20 years, continues to have staff members who are on-call.

"Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service recognises the sacrifices that employers make in allowing their staff to be on-call firefighters, a role which may cut into their working day while supporting the needs of their local community," said area commander Jon Butlin.

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"Polytec Car Styling and Arrow Plant Hire have supported us for many years and so these awards are very well deserved. We are very grateful for the incredible backing they have given us for so long."

Nick Sturrock, head of human resources at Polytec, said Polytec Car Styling UK Ltd, was delighted to be presented with the award.

"We are passionate about supporting the safety and wellbeing of our local community through our continued and ongoing support in providing on-call firefighter provision," he said.

"We look forward to further engaging and building a collaborative partnership with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service."