THE lifesaving work of a Thurrock firefighter has been honoured with a top award.

Firefighter Paul Dibble is attached to Blue Watch at Grays Fire Station and his actions during an incident earlier this year, which he spotted while off duty, are attributed to saving the life of a young borough woman, Amy Jones.

Her father, Mike - himself a former firefighter, as is Amy's mum Alison - tells what happened, saying: "After Amy survived a serious road accident in Grays we petitioned the Chief Fire Officer of Essex Fire and Rescue Service to decorate Paul with a Chief Officer's Commendation as his quick actions had saved her life when she was involved in a collision with a bus as a pedestrian at the junction of Stanley and Clarence Road back in February.

Paul Dibble receives his award from CFO Rick Hylton.

"Yesterday we were delighted to meet Paul and fellow watch members and watched Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton present Paul with his award. Both myself and Amy's mum are former employees of the Fire Service but never imagined that a firefighter would be so instrumental in saving our daughter's life."

Mr Dibble's family also attended the service.

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Emotions run high as grateful family meet bus driver.