A FIREFIGHTER is to be given a posthumous award at a prestigious ceremony today.

Paul Metcalf, who died trying to rescue a teenager from a Bury lodge, will be decorated with a Chief Constable's Commendation, Citation of Merit and Royal Humane Society 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.

Chief Constable David Wilmot will present the commendation and the Royal Humane Society "In Memorium" testimonial in sub-officer Metcalf's name at the ceremony at Salford Town Hall.

Fellow firefighters, police officers and a member of the public who assisted in the rescue attempt at Simons Lodge will also receive awards

New safety guidelines on water rescues have since been drawn up for fire brigades.