Two Swindon council employees saved an elderly lady from her burning flat and have been awarded for their “incredible bravery”.

In November 2023, an elderly resident called Homeline after falling in her flat only to realise during the call that a candle had also fallen.

The carpet caught fire and filled her flat with smoke when Mandy Blackford and Liz Watts, both Homeline employees, arrived before the fire service.

They entered the premises and brought the lady to safety, in an act of “outstanding bravery, selflessness or courage in the face of adversity”.

They have been awarded bronze medals from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire having already received the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations at the annual awards ceremony.

Ben Ansell, chief fire officer, said: “Mandy and Liz acted instinctively, selflessly and bravely, with complete disregard for their own safety. 

“By putting themselves at risk, their actions were the definition of courage under pressure, and saved the resident from serious injury, and the likelihood of losing her life.

“A Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation is the highest award that I can give to a member of the public for acts of outstanding bravery, selflessness or courage in the face of adversity.

“In exceptional cases, I will also make a nomination to other bodies for recognition, and I was extremely pleased that the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire decided to recognise Mandy and Liz for their incredible bravery on that day.”

Sam Mowbray, Chief Executive at Swindon Borough Council, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of Mandy and Liz for their quick-thinking and bravery, which ultimately saved a tragedy from occurring. 

“This award is well-deserved recognition for the work they do to support our residents. A really big well done to both of them.”

Mandy and Liz were presented with their medals by group manager Dave Slawinski at Swindon Borough Council’s offices on Thursday, 5 September.

The pair were modest in their acceptance.

They said: “Anyone on our team would have done the same as we did, it just happened to be us who were on duty and called to the address. 

“Receiving the commendations earlier this year, and now these medals, is such an honour for us both.”

Also in attendance were the firefighters from Westlea fire station who attended the incident last year and first nominated the pair for recognition.