A FIREFIGHTER has been praised for bravery in an award ceremony, after saving the life of a young mother trapped in a serious fire at her home.

Gary Raper, who has been based at Runcorn Fire Station for seven years, received his commendation award from chief fire officer Steve McGuirk in Friday's ceremony at Daresbury Park Hotel.

Guests and dignitaries heard how the Red Watch firefighter risked his life to save the young woman, after the kitchen of an Oxmore Close, Brookvale house, was found alight on November 19 last year.

The fire needed three appliances to tackle it and was already well-developed before the crews arrived.

While other firefighters were trying to break in through the front door, Mr Raper climbed over a fence at the rear of the building and managed to force open the back door of the property.

Mr Raper then spotted a woman lying unconscious on the living room floor and, despite the room being heavily smoke-logged, managed to drag her single-handedly to safety.

The woman was later revived by a waiting ambulance crew while six other firefighters entered the building to carry out a search and extinguish the fire.

Investigators concluded afterwards that the fire must have started in the kitchen sink before spreading to the curtains and upvc windows.

There was extensive damage to the property, with fire damage to the kitchen and heavy smoke damage throughout the rest of the house.

Mr Raper played down his actions saying: 'I don't feel like a hero.

I only did what any of the lads would have done. We work as a close team and we're all happy we were able to save this woman's life.'

However, Sean Henshaw, watch manager at Runcorn Fire Station, takes a different view. He said: 'Firefighter Raper thoroughly deserves his award.

'There was a serious risk to his own safety but he used all his experience, skills and knowledge to drag this woman to safety without causing her any further harm.

'It was a serious fire with the potential for loss of life and Gary's actions were commendable.'

Mr Henshaw added that a working smoke alarm can save lives and reminded people they are available from Runcorn Fire Station, call 01928 572811.