An emergency control room worker from the Island has received an award for her part in the rescue of a teenager from a house fire.

Hannah Park, of Penny Cress Road, Minster, works for Kent Fire and Rescue Service and days after she started her job in June, she took a 999 call from a girl trapped in a top-floor bedroom of a smoke-filled house in Folkestone.

During the call, Hannah gave vital safety advice to the 15-year-old and gained information from her so when firefighters arrived they were able to find her straight away.

She reassured the girl that crews were on their way and advised her to stay in her bedroom, keep the door closed and seal it with blankets and clothing along the bottom to keep the smoke out.

Hannah also told the girl to open a window and stay as close to it as possible.

“When she said smoke was coming into the room, I advised her of the easiest and safest way to break her window pane to provide more fresh air,” Hannah said.

“She followed all of my instructions quickly and properly and I kept her on the line until the crews arrived, talking to her.

“I gave her my name, asked for hers, asked her about her room, talked about her dog and basically tried to keep her calm.

“I am very proud to work for KFRS and felt honoured to receive an award.

“It was a lovely day celebrating the achievements of staff, members of the public and firefighters and I felt lucky and fortunate to be a part of that.”

The 21-year-old was given a certificate of congratulation by KFRS chief executive Ann Millington and KMFRS chairman Bryan Cope at an awards ceremony.

The service was held to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of firefighters, staff and members of the public.

Miss Millington said: “Hannah did a fantastic job of keeping the girl calm and providing advice in a very difficult situation that may well have saved this youngster’s life.”