A FIREFIGHTER has spoken of his pride at representing the inspirational team at Manchester Children's Burns Camp as he was awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace.

Watch Manager Simon Ryder was recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours list and received his medal from Prince William, watched by his proud wife Helen, and excited children Joe, aged nine and Bella, aged eight.

Mr Ryder, who lives in Radcliffe, was awarded the MBE for voluntary service to the Manchester Children's Burns Camp and Northern Burns Care Network.

The camp provides activities to help children and young people under the care of the paediatric burns service at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital to overcome their injuries — which are often traumatic — and enhance their self-esteem and confidence through day trips and residential camps as well a family weekends to achieve success in their life.

Mr Ryder said: "It was amazing from start to finish. Prince William knew about Manchester Burns Camp and the work it did and how I got involved.

"I was incredibly proud to represent the Manchester Burns Camp, because this award is for all the volunteers involved in the organisation and for my family for the support they give me.

"I wanted the award to raise the profile of Manchester Burns Camp and for people to support it — that would be so positive."

The honour was made extra special for Mr Ryder after his friends treated him to a night in a luxury hotel before the ceremony — and even ordered a limousine to take him and his family to the palace.

He said: "It was a really lovely gesture. We decided to go to London a few days before and make a short break out of it.

"It was the children's first trip to London and we went sightseeing. It was just an amazing experience from start to finish. I met Ringo Starr and had to explain to my children who The Beatles were!"

Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said: "It’s fantastic that Watch Manager Simon Ryder has been honoured with an MBE and we would like to congratulate him on his well-deserved award. The Burns Camp is a brilliant initiative that has helped hundreds of young people injured in fires build their confidence.

"Simon, along with other GMFRS colleagues, volunteers and staff from the Manchester Children’s Burns unit, give up a huge amount of free time to ensure the camps run smoothly.

"It’s a testament to the dedication and compassion of our firefighters and this is a worthy recognition.”