AWARDS have been handed to firefighters from Harwich and Manningtree for their work with youngsters.

Karl Amoss, a lead youth instructor and retained firefighter at Manningtree Station, and Les Nicholl, community connector, were two of a number of fire service employees honoured for their work.

A special ceremony saw the first Children and Young People Awards at the Essex Fire Service headquarters at Kelvedon Park on July 4.

Dad of one Karl from Lawford got an award for inspirational leadership at the fire service and Les Nicholl, a retired Harwich firefighter who now works as a community connector lead, received a special recognition award at the ceremony.

The 62-year-old helps with the Firebreak scheme and spreads a message of fire and road safety to youngsters through visits and talks in the community.

"I was extremely proud to get the award, it was fantastic to be recognised," he said.