THE tribute medal of a First World War Harwich fireman is to be auctioned off.

Its recipient, known only as W.P.Tyrell, was presented the silver hallmarked medal by the Corporation of Harwich.

Mr Tyrell, who along with his colleagues were known as the ‘call-out kings’, got the award for his remarkable record and the “admirable” way he carried out his duties.

Harwich was the target of hundreds of German raids during the First World War and the brave firefighters would deal with the fires caused by the bombs.

Mr Tyrell was called out on 145 occasions between 1914 and 1918. This included 108 air raid alarms by fire calls.

The medal will go under the hammer on July 12 as part of a two day auction of specialist collectables. It has an estimated price of £80-£120.