A COLNE man who rescued an eight-year-old boy from a burning house has been rewarded for his bravery with a special commendation certificate from the fire service.

Mark Atkinson, 35, was presented with his award by Peter Holland, the Chief Fire Officer of Lancashire, and praised for his courage and quick thinking which saved the life of Daniel Gammage.

At a special ceremony held in honour of Mr Atkinson at Colne Police Station, guests heard how he was driving along Higgin Street, in Colne, around lunchtime on October 18 last year when he saw smoke coming from the attic window of one of the houses and a child at the window.

While other people stood in the street watching, he immediately went to a house two doors away, went through it and through its attic window before making his way along the roofs to the window where Daniel was leaning out.

By this time the child was gasping for air and Mr Atkinson pulled him from the window and they both made their way to safety on the roof of the next house. The pair were then rescued by firefighters who had answered the 999 call.

Daniel had inhaled smoke and fumes but made a full recovery after treatment.

Mr Atkinson was presented with a framed Commendation Certificate in front of Colne's fire fighting crews.

During the ceremony Mr Holland said: "What a fabulous evening when we can pay tribute to a member of the Colne community for rescuing a young person who was obviously moments away from death.

"Without his actions that poor child could have been added to the list of people who die or are injured in fires each year.

It is only by the actions of people like Mr Atkinson and our firefighters that we can reduce that number."

He said to Mr Atkinson: "You said earlier that you didn't think anything of it because you were used to working with ladders but so many people these days walk across the street and expect others to do something.

"You didn't. I am delighted we can honour you with a Chief Officer's Commendation."

Mr Atkinson was happy to receive the award but modestly played down his part.

He said he had been on his way between his premises, M Atkinson Joinery Contractors and Shopfitters, in North Valley Road, and a work site when he made his dramatic rescue.

He said: "I was surprised to receive the letter from the fire service telling me I was going to get the award because, after all, these people are doing things like this every day. But it was nice to receive it.

"When I was an apprentice, building dormer windows, I was always on roofs so it wasn't alien to me to go up there. It was just something I did without thinking about it."