FIVE firefighters have been rewarded for their part in the rescue of 72 sheep during a flood last year.

Tim Austen, Neil Lettington, Marcus Bell, Chris Phipps and Martin Bartlett, from Larkfield fire station's Red Watch, have been presented with certificates of commendation.

The firefighters helped rescue the sheep from flood water on December 28, 2003, after the River Rother in Robertsbridge in East Sussex burst its banks.

With the animals left stranded up to their stomachs in water, the boat support unit from Larkfield Fire Station was brought in to help East Sussex crews and all 72 sheep were individually carried to safety.

Chief Insp Patrick Hamby and Supt Alan Goddard, from the RSPCA, presented the certificates at Kent Fire and Rescue Service headquarters at Tovil.

Chief Insp Hamby said: "The RSPCA takes great pride in its relationship with the fire and rescue services. The rescue of such a large number of sheep in difficult conditions is one of many incidents that have brought the resources of the two together.

"It is a great privilege for the RSPCA to present an award to the brave and dedicated firefighters of Larkfield."