DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's annual awards evening saw a Teignbridge firefighter crowned as its unsung hero.

Bovey Tracey firefighter James Warner received the ‘Unsung Hero’ at the fire services awards, dubbed the ‘People Awards, on October 2.

James was nominated for his enthusiastic and dedicated attitude through his numerous roles within the service, including the Road Safety Team and Bovey Tracey Cadets.

This is in addition to his on call commitments to Bovey Tracey.

‘A fantastic achievement and an absolute credit to our station - great work James’ a spokesperson for Bovey Tracey Fire Station said.

But this was not the only award that went James’ way, the Road Safety Team, of which James is a part, came runners up in the “Working Together’ award category.

James was not the only Bovey man in the mix, for the team is led by Bovey Tracey’s Watch Manager Chris Boston, who is responsible for giving talks and lectures around the county on the importance of being safe on the road.

Elsewhere at the wards, ten firefighters received medals for 20 years' service, and one firefighter received the accolade for 30 years' service.

Almost 100 people and teams were nominated by their colleagues for going above and beyond in their work, and the judging panel had the toughest year yet, shortlisting and choosing the ‘highly commended’ and ‘winners’ in each category

Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Ellis, said: ‘I am proud to lead a service with so many committed and dedicated people.

‘Those who have given an exceptional length of service, with the 20-and 30-years' long service and good conduct medals and clasps.

‘And those who have done exceptional things in the last year.

‘The work the service does is as challenging as it is rewarding.

‘Every role across the service contributes to making sure our communities are safe, protected and supported during their time of need.’