Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has been awarded the Spirit of Fire award at a virtual ceremony held by The Fire Fighters Charity.

Winning the 'Supporter of The Year' award at the charity’s virtual awards ceremony, the service was recognised for its prolific fundraising and awareness-raising achievements over recent years.

The award was announced on the night by rock and roll legend and lead guitarist for Queen, Brian May CBE.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We are delighted to have won the Spirit of Fire Supporter of the Year: Fire and Rescue Service. Thank you to Brian May for announcing it and thank you to everyone who has helped contribute to the charity."

Hosted by HRH Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge introduced The Fire Fighters Charity’s virtual Spirit of Fire Awards via a recorded video message, and spoke of the challenges faced by fire service personnel in the wake of Covid-19, reiterating why it’s so important that they know where to turn when they need support themselves.

The Fire Fighters Charity chief executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s award: “I am delighted that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has won this award.

"The charity is embedded in the service and everyone at every level does their bit to support us, through a wealth of incredible events and regular donations.

"Huge congratulations Lancashire.”

A further 13 awards were announced by a host of famous faces over the course of the evening, including Michael Sheen OBE, Dame Julie Walters DBE, Clare Balding OBE, Les Ferdinand MBE, Susanna Reid, and Greg Foot.

The Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the fundraising and awareness-raising achievements of members of the UK’s fire services community in their support of The Fire Fighters Charity, as well as the courage of the charity’s beneficiaries in the face of personal adversity.

Usually held in London, with a reception at No.10 Downing Street, the coronavirus pandemic meant that the charity took the awards ceremony online in 2020 for the first time.