FIREMEN from Farnworth are to receive special awards for their efforts in the aftermath of the IRA Manchester bomb. The Farnworth team will be presented with the Greater Manchester County Fire Officer's recognition of Outstanding Performance at a ceremony on Friday.

Two other station crews from Whitefield and Eccles will receive the same award.

Representatives from the stations will join fire officers from Salford, Manchester Central, Moss Side, Phillips Park and other Greater Manchester crews at the ceremony in Manchester. Fire officers from those stations most closely involved with the operation will receive the county fire officer's Certificate of Commendation.

Staff from the brigade's headquarters will also be praised for their work following the bombing on June 15 this year.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "Despite the appalling devastation that had occurred and the dangers posed to firefighters by unsafe buildings and the possibility of further devices, fire crews immediately started a systematic search of all the buildings in the blast area."

During the search a total of 40 casualties were either rescued or escorted from the blast area by firefighters.

Guests of honour at Friday's ceremony at the brigade training centre are Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Derek Shaw and County Fire Officer George Almond.

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