THE contributions made my two Droitwich Spa firefighters have been recognised at a top awards ceremony.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) celebrated the outstanding achievements of staff, partners and other members of the community during a prestigious ceremony in the great hall at Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, on Thursday, April 18.

Station commander Martin Lown, based at the service’s training centre in Droitwich, was presented with an excellence award for being The Fire Fighters Charity Fundraiser of the Year. His award was presented by John Parry, chief executive of the charity.

Mr Lown has been an active supporter of The Fire Fighters Charity for some years and is always looking for new challenges to help raise money and awareness. In January 2011, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro wearing fire kit and breathing apparatus, raising in excess of £5,000 and he has just returned from an equally daunting Everest base camp climb, again completed in full fire kit. This latest challenge has already raised more than £3,800 for the charity.

Watch commander Michael James, also based at Droitwich Fire Station, Friar Street, was given a leadership achievement award.

Chief fire officer, Mark Yates, said: “We have some truly remarkable people working for and in partnership with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, and the excellence awards have been devised to celebrate their outstanding efforts and amazing achievements, some of which have continued over a period of many years.”