A Weymouth man who helped save five children and their mother from a burning building has been awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for which he was nominated by Dorset Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter.

Matthew Robinson had previously received the CFO's Certificate of Commendation and the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire award for his actions during a house fire in 2010.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service CFO Gunter said: "We are delighted for him that Her Royal Highness has seen fit to recognise his actions and award The Queen's Gallantry Medal today. My sincere congratulations go to him on behalf of the Service."

In January 2010, Robinson along with his mother placed ladders to the upstaris window of a neighbours flat that was engulfed in heavy flames before entering into the room through dense smoke to recover the five children, including one baby, just before fire crews arrived.

Gunter added: ""Matthew is a young man who demonstrated unwavering selflessness in terms of his personal courage and professional acts of saving the lives of up to six people from a very significant house fire."

You have the opportunity to become a part of Dorset FRS by attending their recruitment open morning at Hamworthy Fire Station on Saturday 31st March from 1000 to 1200 for retained or 'on-call' firefighters to be based at either the Hamworthy or Portland stations - click here for more information.

Posted 27/03/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com