TWO woman whose quick thinking ensured the safe evacuation of all residents following a fire, have been honoured at an awards event.

Mary Gowing and Kay Feast, members of staff at a sheltered accommodation in Pershore, have been honoured at the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Worcestershire Awards.

The pair received the Chief Fire Officer’s Certificate of Commendation at the awards ceremony at Worcester Guildhall on September 6.

An automatic fire alarm sounded at around 5.30pm on March 28 at the sheltered accommodation and, in line with procedure, Mary and Kay went to investigate, finding that one of the flats was ablaze.

Crawling on hands and knees, the pair proceeded to the fire compartment in a bid to find the resident, who wasn’t there.

Group commander, Rob Allen, said: “Conditions were severe and led to the almost complete destruction of the room of origin. Their swift actions ensured the safe evacuation of residents.

“Upon arrival of the Fire Service, they were able to quickly confirm to the officer in charge information which undoubtedly minimized the level of risks to the crews.”