A Littleport man who pulled an injured motorist from a burning car has been shortlisted for a national award.

Alan Chapman was nominated by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service for The Spirit of Fire Awards, which is held annually to honour members of fire and rescue services and the public, by recognising bravery within the fire community.

Mr Chapman has been shortlisted for the Adult Hero award.

He was recognised by the fire service for his selfless act of saving the life of a motorist at a road traffic collision by being presented with a Certificate of Commendation by Chief Fire Officer Graham Stagg at the service’s

Excellence Awards in November.

Last May (2013), Mr Chapman was travelling along Branch Bank, near Littleport, when he came across the scene of a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcyclist and car.

The car overturned onto its roof, severely injuring and trapping the driver. Disregarding the potential risk to himself, and with acrid smoke filling the car and flames coming in from the air vents, Alan climbed inside the car and released the driver from her seatbelt before dragging her to safety.

The second shortlisted nominee from Cambridgeshire is Tim West, of Ramsey, for the Supporter of the Year Award.

Tragically, on July 10 2008, 17-year-old Lewis Robert West died in a car crash. Since then his family, headed by father Tim, has raised more than £35,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Station Commander Martin Ockenden, said: “We are thrilled to have two of our outstanding nominations shortlisted for this well-respected national awards evening.

“These two men have, in very different ways, shown bravery and selflessness by putting others before themselves. They are an inspiration to the people of Cambridgeshire and to the fire service.”

The winners will be announced at The Spirit of Fire Awards in London on May

16.