A FIREFIGHTER who died in the line of duty has been posthumously awarded the Queen's Bravery Award.

Sub Officer Paul Metcalf, aged 40, drowned more than three years ago when an operation to recover the body of student Reyaz Ali from Simon's Lodge at Holcombe Brook near Bury went tragically wrong.

His 43-year-old brother Michel, who works at Bury's indoor market, collected the accolade on his behalf at a presentation at Ramsbottom Fire Station yesterday.

Michel said: "We're very proud. We just wish Paul was here to accept the award himself."

An inquest into Sub Officer Metcalf's death uncovered a catalogue of failures which led to the retained fireman's death, including the lack of safety equipment and water rescue training.

The bravery award was presented by Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Colonel John Timmins.

Mr Metcalf, who was a part-time firefighter based in Ramsbottom, has already been decorated with a Chief Constable's Commendation and the Royal Humane Society in Memorium Award for his brave actions.

He drowned on September 5, 1999, when an operation to recover the 15-year-old Darul-Uloom Islamic College student's body went tragically wrong.

The sub officer, of Whalley Road, Shuttleworth, got into difficulties when his safety line became snagged on an underwater branch. Colleagues made desperate efforts to pull him free, but he remained trapped under water for about 15 minutes.

He was eventually winched out by helicopter and air-lifted to hospital, but later died.

The fire service has since introduced new safety measures.