FIRE and rescue service staff and local residents who have shown extraordinary bravery in the face of adversity will be celebrated at the inaugural Inspire Celebration of Achievements Awards.

The awards, which will be presented at Gloucester South Fire Station on Wednesday, September 4, will also recognise dedicated fire and rescue employees with long-service and good conduct medals, presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant for Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter.

The evening, which will also be attended by Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, and chair of the county council Cllr Tony Hicks, will feature stories of professional excellence and heroism in the community.

It is hoped that the awards will become an annual event to thank those people inside and outside of the service who have inspired others to make a positive contribution to the county.

Gloucestershire’s Chief Fire Officer Jon Hall said: “We are recognising those people in the county who have given their time and energy for the benefit of others, without ever seeking reward for their good work.

“There are so many inspirational people in our communities and, as a fire and rescue service, we work alongside them day in, day out. I’m delighted we have the chance to praise community heroes alongside those fire and rescue staff who have given so much to the service through the years.”

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for community safety, said: “We want to highlight those people in the community as well as our fire and rescue staff who make a difference. We hope we can establish these awards on the Gloucestershire calendar and continue to recognise our county heroes for years to