Heroes of Norfolk's fire service have been recognised at an awards night held at Norwich Castle.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk County Council-Norfolk Fire Service Awards recognise outstanding contributions to the service. Pictured: Alison Graver receives her award from Chief Fire Officer David Ashworth. Picture: Norfolk Fire ServiceNorfolk County Council-Norfolk Fire Service Awards recognise outstanding contributions to the service. Pictured: Alison Graver receives her award from Chief Fire Officer David Ashworth. Picture: Norfolk Fire Service (Image: Norfolk Fire Service)

The county's chief fire officer David Ashworth thanked staff for doing all they can to make our communities safe and providing an excellent emergency response.

The service's unsung heroes were presented with awards and certificates in categories including long service and good conduct for 20, 30, 35 and 40 years' of service, making a difference, commendation and volunteer of the year.

Among those receiving accolades for their dedication to the service were Richard Miles, a crew manager for Great Yarmouth, who has clocked up 25 years' service and is also an active member of Caister Lifeboat Crew.

Steven Polley, from Dereham Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) completed 30 years of service as a firefighter and then joined USAR as an on call technician. Steve and his working dog Hooky provide canine capability to assist in the search for missing persons.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk County Council-Norfolk Fire Service Awards recognise outstanding contributions to the service. Pictured: Simon Burch with James Thorpe and their partners. Picture: Norfolk Fire ServiceNorfolk County Council-Norfolk Fire Service Awards recognise outstanding contributions to the service. Pictured: Simon Burch with James Thorpe and their partners. Picture: Norfolk Fire Service (Image: Norfolk Fire Service)

Watch Manager Simon Hilton has worked in the training and development centre for 15 years and was presented with a making a difference award for his work in developing breathing apparatus.

A commendation award was given to the control room team for their work dealing with flooding calls last June. Led by crew manager Julie Cole, the team processed 936 calls in 24 hours, beating the previous record by more than 300.

Simon Burch was commended for his efforts in supporting his colleague, firefighter James Thorpe from Kings Lynn, who suffered a spinal injury after a fall abroad last June.

He set up a Just Giving page which has already raised in excess of £13,000, organised a fundraising day with his partner C-anne Knight which raised £3,000 and liaised with support groups to ensure James had support to start his recovery.

Simon was nominated by Phil Berry who said: 'Simon has demonstrated all the historic values of a firefighter but more of an amazing human being and friend.'

Member of the public Mrs Herbert Jones nominated firefighter Alison Graver after witnessing her rescuing two people in dinghys who got into trouble in the sea at Sea Palling last July. Alison was there with her children making sandcastles when she swam in and brought them safely back to shore.