BRAVE paramedics, who battled through flames in a daring rescue attempt at the Moat House fire last April, are to be given an award.

Dave Cook and Brenda Moody are to receive special commendations for their courageous actions when fire ripped through the Bolton hotel last April.

Despite the tragic outcome, the two Farnworth-based paramedics are being honoured at a special ceremony at the Reebok Stadium, tomorrow night.

Blackpool pensioners William Robertson, aged 75, and his wife Margaret, aged 81, died in the blaze. Their bodies were found yards from their room on the third floor.

The two paramedics, from Highfield ambulance station, were escorted through the flames by firefighters after being the first to arrive on the scene.

They attempted to revive the couple, who sadly died in the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The fire was treated as arson but despite a police investigation, no-one has ever been charged.

GMAS chief executive, John Burnside said: "Obviously this was an extremely tragic incident, but Dave and Brenda were extremely courageous and went above and beyond the call of duty in their attempts to save the victims. They thoroughly deserve this award."

Dave Cook, from Halliwell, said: "As soon as this call came through we knew it was a major incident.

"We were escorted into the building immediately and did our best to save the victims."

Brenda Moody, from Bromley Cross, said: "It was a terrible incident and by far one of the worst I have ever dealt with during my career.

"We are both honoured to receive this commendation, although it will of course be tinged with sadness for the couple who so tragically lost their lives."

Ramsbottom ambulanceman Sean Brady and Colin Barber, of Radcliffe, will also get a special commendation award at the ceremony.

The two are praised after helping a woman who had been shot in the neck in an incident in Prestwich in July 2000.

Police had flagged down their patient transport ambulance, thinking it was an emergency ambulance.

The two ambulance care assistants attempted to revive the woman whilst 999 crews were mobilised.

Seven Bolton ambulance staff are also to be honoured with a Long Service and Good Conduct Award at the ceremony.

The awards, which mark 20 years unblemished service, come with "Royal Approval" from Her Majesty The Queen. The medals, made by the Royal Mint, will be presented by Mr Duncan Lawton OBE DL BA FRSA Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

The following people will receive medals: ambulance technician Alan Ainsworth, Horwich; ambulance paramedic Vanessa Elliot, Breightmet; ambulance paramedic Malcolm Hollinworth, Bromley Cross; operational trainer Peter Idle, Horwich; ambulance paramedic Phillip Ogden, Radcliffe; ambulance technician Peter Smith, Over Hulton; and ambulance paramedic Patricia Urmston from Tyldesley.

EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS TO BE HONOURED