A FAMILY who saved the lives of their neighbours following a fire in Abbotsbury were honoured as heroes at a major awards ceremony.

The Robinson family received the chief fire officer’s Certificate of Commendation for their ‘selfless actions and team effort’ to save the lives of Tracee Barlow and her five children following the blaze in January this year.

Teenager Matt Robinson, of West Street, Abbotsbury, who climbed a ladder into the blazing home during the rescue, received three accolades at the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony.

His parents Jackie and Roy were recognised for also helping the children to safety after mum Tracee suffered injuries leaping from a first floor window to get help, while Matt’s sister Lisa, 16, was commended for caring for the youngsters until the emergency services arrived.

Neighbour Catherine March, who resuscitated Jack Barlow, then aged 11, after he passed out from smoke inhalation and Tracee’s eldest daughter Charlotte, 16, who put her younger siblings’ safety before her own, were also honoured.

Jackie and Matt Robinson and Charlotte Barlow also received Society for the Protection of Life from Fire (SPLF) a commendation from Dorset Police, at the ceremony at Lulworth Castle.

Apprentice mechanic Matt, 18, said: “All my family received awards for bravery at the fire.

“It was a really nice event and it was an honour to be among the people from the fire service who really deserved awards.”

High Sheriff of Dorset Timothy Palmer presented the fire brigade long service and good conduct medals (LSGCM).

Julia Major, widow of Wareham retained firefighter Colin Major, 49, who died of a heart attack while on duty last September, accepted an award for long service in his memory.

Dorset’s chief fire officer Darran Gunter said he was ‘very proud’ of ‘the excellent work being done above and beyond the call of duty’ within the fire service and the community.

He added that he was also ‘delighted’ to recognise and present awards to the members of staff who had worked with the fire service for 20 years.

Chairman of the Fire Authority Councillor Chris Bulteel said: “The success of this year’s ceremony is a reflection of the dedication of both Dorset Fire and Rescue Service staff and the community.

“I am very proud to be chairman of an authority responsible for such an outstanding fire service.”