Two Fenland firefighters were honoured for their long service, and a third for their “determination and outstanding skills” at an annual awards evening.

Cambs Times: Whittlesey firefighter Mark Nicholas receiving The Chairman's Award, presented to him by Sir Peter Brown (far right), with Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland (far left). Picture: Cambs Fire.Whittlesey firefighter Mark Nicholas receiving The Chairman's Award, presented to him by Sir Peter Brown (far right), with Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland (far left). Picture: Cambs Fire. (Image: Archant)

Retired firefighters Ronald Robertson and Mark Nicholas, based in Chatteris and Whittlesey respectively, were honoured for their 25 years’ service each.

They were both presented with the Chairman’s Award by Sir Peter Brown, chairman of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority.

Thorney firefighter Dez Lartey was also honoured, having won the award for On-call Recruit of the Year.

He received the award for “outstanding, physical and theoretical skills together with his determination to give 100% to everything which meant he raised the bar for everyone else on his course” said judges.

Cambs Times: Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland presenting an Excellence Award to Thorney firefighter Dez Larty for On-Call Recruit of the Year. Picture: Cambs Fire.Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland presenting an Excellence Award to Thorney firefighter Dez Larty for On-Call Recruit of the Year. Picture: Cambs Fire. (Image: Archant)

Cambridge Black Watch, who have gone viral multiple times with their inventive fire safety videos, also scooped two awards on the night.

They won the award for Excellence in Community Fire Safety after their chimney sweeping safety video, which saw them re-enacting the Mary Poppins song ‘Step In Time’, caught the attention of judges.

The judges said: “It delivered an important safety message reminding people to get their chimneys swept to prevent fires in a fun and innovative way.”

Their second award, for Operational Excellence, was given for successfully rescuing a trapped donkey from an 18-inch man hole, within a flooded pit, seven foot deep, in what was described as a “complex and difficult incident”.

Cambs Times: Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland presenting an Excellence Award to Thorney firefighter Dez Larty for On-Call Recruit of the Year. Picture: Cambs Fire.Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland presenting an Excellence Award to Thorney firefighter Dez Larty for On-Call Recruit of the Year. Picture: Cambs Fire. (Image: Archant)

The event at the Marriott Hotel in Huntingdon, which was attended by more than 140 guests, was hosted by chief fire officer Chris Strickland.

He said: “The awards give us the chance to celebrate all the amazing work that takes place 24/7 on the frontline, behind the scenes and within our communities.

“They allow us to recognise the commitment, passion, dedication and professionalism of all our staff, both operational and support, giving the nod to those who are inspirational leaders, innovative thinkers and those dedicated to making a difference to the lives of all the residents of Cambridgeshire.”