Fire minister Bob Neill and Secretary of State for Communities Eric Pickles met firefighters at Downing Street last week – to congratulate them on their nominations for the Spirit of Fire Awards 2010.
 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service at Downing Street after recieving three nominations for the Spirit of Fire Awards

The annual awards, which were held on Friday at Wembley Stadium, singles out firefighters and station crews for ‘Britain’s bravest firefighter’, services to charity and courage in the face of adversity among other achievements. ‘Heroes’ of the public are also given recognition.

Veteran entertainer Bruce Forsyth, TV presenter Esther Rantzen, and former Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, were among the celebrities who attended the event.

Firefighter Ewan Williamson, who died fighting a blaze in a block of flats last year, was posthumously awarded for his bravery, while the Brigade of the Year accolade went to Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

To see the full list of nominees and winners, click here.