Staff have been recognised for careers spent helping to save people’s lives.

The annual Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) awards were held last week at Oakwood House in Maidstone.

Among the winners were fireman Simon Belton, of Sittingbourne, who was given a long service and good conduct medal in recognition of 20 years spent with the organisation.

He worked at Thames-side and Strood before becoming a community engagement officer in 2007 and he now gives fire and road safety presentations around the country.

In 1993 he received a certificate of congratulation for being part of a team which rescued a woman and a child from a serious blaze at a house in Gravesend.

Linda Jeffery, also from Sittingbourne, received a long-service award.

She joined in January 1992 and spent 16 years working at the Swale Fire Safety office next to the Sittingbourne station.

She has spent the last five years working in Dartford. In total, there were 18 long-service honours presented.

KFRS chief executive Ann Millington said: “This special event gives us the opportunity to recognise the bravery and quick thinking of our staff and local people and it also reminds us of all the positive work going on around us.

“I am extremely proud of all those receiving awards and would like to express my thanks, not just to them but also to all the staff for their hard work for Kent and Medway’s communities.”