FIREFIGHTERS and police officers were honoured for their bravery and hard work at a glittering ceremony.

Paul Metcalf, who died trying to rescue a teenager from a Bury lodge, was decorated with the Chief Constable's Commendation and the Royal Humane Society in Memorium award.

Sub officer Metcalf, aged 40, who was a part-time fireman based in Ramsbottom, died two years ago as he tried to pull 15-year-old Reyaz Ali from a disused mill pond at Simons Lodge in Hawkshaw.

His twin brother Michel Metcalf received the posthumous awards at the event held at Salford Civic Centre and paid tribute to his bravery.

He said: "Paul was a very placid character and very committed to every job he did.

"We are very proud of him, but as my mother says, getting the awards will not bring Paul back.

"Paul would have been over the moon if he had been here today.

"What he did was very typical of him, but most firefighters seem to be that way inclined or they wouldn't be doing that job."

Bury firefighters Neil Fox and Christopher McNally along with brave member of the public, Christopher Wild, also received the Chief Constable's Commendation and the Royal Humane Society Award for their actions in trying to save both the teenager and Mr Metcalf.

Mr Fox said: "I was in the water for 25 minutes and kept diving in for Paul, but he was becoming frantic and struggling and I lost him.

"I didn't know Paul personally, but subsequently from speaking to his colleagues it seems to have been very typical of him to go in.

"He was a leader and liked to show by example.

"Obviously I am very proud to receive the award today, but it is sad that two people died."

County Fire Officer George Almond, who lives in Bolton praised the bravery of the firemen and said: "In the future I don't think a situation like this could happen because of the reviews we have carried out.

"Lessons have been learned from this tragedy and we have worked closely with other agencies which rescue underwater to improve our training."

Helped

Police officers Sgt Martin Greenwood, Constable Derek Baird, Constable Alexander Keen and member of the public, Geoffrey Unsworth, who also helped out at the same incident in Bury, received the Chief Constable's Citation of Merit and the Royal Humane Society Award.

Police Constable Angela Hill, who lives in Over Hulton and works in the domestic violence unit at Salford, was presented with a Long Service award having joined the police ranks in 1979.

The 41-year-old, who also received the Royal Humane Society award 10 years ago, was proud to be presented with the medal.

She said: "I've seen a lot of changes in the police force over the years.

"Working in the domestic violence unit can be very stressful and hard work, but it can be rewarding.

"My mum's very proud of me!"