HEROES who helped to save lives are to be honoured by the fire service.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is holding its first awards to celebrate the bravery, dedication and excellence of staff and members of the public.

Local people, stations and staff have been nominated for their often heroic actions by their bosses or by those they helped.

It is the first time the fire service has held an awards ceremony to honour heroes.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase said: “The awards will highlight the commendable work firefighters do every single day putting their own lives at risk to save others, the support of fire and rescue staff in preventing serious accidents and fires, as well as recognising the bravery and support of members of the public.”

Batley men Terry Johnson and Gareth Marriner are shortlisted for the Hero of the Year award after rescuing two children and their mother from a house fire.

The men tried a daring rescue which saved the lives of the family in August last year.

Mr Johnson climbed on to the shoulders of his friend to rescue the young children from a bedroom.

Afterwards Mr Marriner entered a smoke-filled living room to carry out the unconscious mother.

Also in the Hero of the Year category are Georgina Watkiss and Denise Hall, of Windy Bank in Cleckheaton.

The women saw smoke coming from the house of a disabled neighbour.

While Ms Watkiss called for the fire service Ms Hall ran into the house to find her neighbour.

She pulled the man to safety and the two women cared for him until the emergency services arrived.

Station Manager Lee Benson said the women’s actions undoubtedly saved the neighbour’s life.

Shirley Wharton, station clerk at Brighouse and Elland fire stations, is among the nominees for Employee of the Year.

Mrs Wharton, of Hipperholme, was a key worker during the January floods and helped 60 children as they were led to safety.

She was nominated for her “professional attitude and compassion” in dealing with people during the floods.

Meltham and Skelmanthorpe stations have both been shortlisted in the retained fire station of the year category.

Both were praised for the way they interact with the local community, with crews visiting schools to talk to children and spreading safety messages.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Leeds on Friday, May 23.