HELICOPTER pilot Keith Copus was today being honoured for rescuing a family from a blazing building.

The Weymouth-based Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance airman helped lift out five people and two dogs caught in a raging brush fire.

Captain Copus, 58, said the

rescue had been one of the most hazardous incidents of his 34-year flying career.

He and his two-man crew, who were travelling to London today to be recognised for their bravery, were called into action by hard-pressed fire fighters who could not reach the stricken casualties.

The father-of-four said: "When we arrived on scene at Verwood the brush fire was quite extensive.

"The fire service said there were people trapped in a building about 300 metres away, but they were having a problem getting access.

"We decided to get airborne and try and find a landing site."

Capt Copus, who lives with his wife on board a yacht in Weymouth Marina, said the subsequent set down amid burning buildings and brush was one of his most difficult ever landings.

He said: "We found a site among some trees - we were obviously concerned about the blades fanning the fire.

"My paramedic Dave Murdoch ran off and grabbed two small children aged eight and nine from a bungalow, followed by two young women.

"They were frightened and suffering from smoke inhalation - we just hauled them into the aircraft and lifted them out."

After taking off, Capt Copus was then told that another person was left in the building, together with two dogs.

He said: "I decided it would be quicker for the police helicopter, which was nearby, to fly in and get them out - we would have had to drop off our casualties.

"The police managed to go in and pick the woman and the dogs up."

Together with paramedics Mr Murdoch and Steve Freeman, Capt Copus' life-saving actions have been recognised by fellow ambulance professionals.

Thye were due at the House of Commons today to receive the prestigious Ambulance Service Institute Award - the first time the Dorset and Somerset air ambulance has been given the honour.

Capt Copus, who retired in July this year after four years with the air ambulance, said it was a wonderful way to end his career.

He added: "It is nice for us all to be recognised. As the pilot I am only the eyes and ears of the crew."

The former fleet air arm pilot is now preparing to sail to the Mediterranean from Weymouth with wife Heather on their boat Arcadia of Hythe.

They moved aboard after selling their home earlier this year.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance director Nicola Howkins said the award was great news for the charity, whose vice patron is Formula One racing driver Jenson Button.

She said: "Everybody is thrilled for Keith and the crew. They are honoured to have been recognised, but incidents like these are all in a days work."