A Norwich man who bravely risked his own life to save his neighbour from a flat fire has won a national award.

Andrew Parfitt, 55, forced his way into the next door property in Parmentergate Court and contained the blaze, while emergency services led his neighbour Jag Naidu to safety.

Mr Naidu, who was a terminally ill cancer sufferer, had torched his own flat during a mental health episode.

Mr Parfitt, who went on to care for Mr Naidu during his last few months of life, was nominated for a national award following the incident in March last year.

And on Sunday he won a Good Neighbour Award at a ceremony organised by housing and care provider Places for People for People.

Mr Parfitt, who even acted as executor on his neighbour's estate following his death in June last year, said: 'My neighbour Jag was an incredibly positive person.

'Later in life however, he was in a desperate situation and had no close family around, so naturally I wanted to be there for him.

'When the fire struck, I just wanted to help out however I could, as I knew the health and safety of other residents was at risk. Jag would have been really proud to see me here today.'

He added: 'It feels remarkable to receive this Good Neighbour Award, and it's come as a really big surprise. It's very humbling to be here today and hear about all these incredible experiences from communities across the country.'

Mr Parfitt was among 40 Places for People customers who received a Good Neighbour Award for improving life in their local communities, during a special event held in York last week.

David Cowans, group chief executive of Places for People, presented the winners with their Good Neighbour Awards, saying: 'It is always such an honour to meet and reward individuals who are literally changing the lives of others every day.'

As previously reported, five police officers who also attended the incident in March last year were also awarded for their bravery at the Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs) last week.

Has your bravery earned you national recognition? Email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk