A man from Morecambe has received an award from the fire service for saving a family from a burning flat 35 years ago.
Chris Nicholson received a certificate during a presentation at Lancaster Fire Station.
Armed Forces veteran Chris rescued Andrea Archer and her sons Stuart, then 10, and Mark, then eight, from a block of flats in Skerton in 1990.
"On October 15th, Lancaster N11 had the honour of presenting a Station Manager’s Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Chris Nicholson, a valued member of the local Skerton community in Lancaster and a military veteran who served as a reservist," said a Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.
"This recognition was prompted by Mr. Andrew Tolley, a close friend and fellow veteran, who served for 22 years.
"Andrew brought to our attention that Chris had never received formal recognition for his lifesaving actions 35 years ago, rescuing a young family from a burning building.
"We invited Chris and his granddaughter to the station for a small, private presentation, with members of Red Watch present for the occasion.
"The certificate, which includes extracts from historic coverage in the Lancashire Evening Post, highlights the remarkable actions Chris took all those years ago."
The certificate says: "In recognition of extraordinary courage and selflessness, this certificate is awarded to Chris Nicholson, an Armed Forces veteran from Morecambe, who, in 1990, risked his own life to save others.
"Without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Mr. Nicholson entered a burning residential block in Skerton, Lancaster, and rescued Andrea Archer and her two young sons, Stuart (10) and Mark (8), from their first-floor flat on Mainway, as a raging fire engulfed a neighbouring apartment.
"With smoke and flames consuming the landing, Mr. Nicholson woke the sleeping family, guided them past imminent danger, and remained calm under intense pressure. Moments after leading them to safety, an explosion sent fire shooting across the path they had just crossed.
"His bravery, quick thinking, and decisive action undoubtedly saved lives and stands as a testament to the highest values of courage and community spirit.
"Presented this day in honour of a true local hero.
"35 years on, your actions remain unforgettable."
Earlier this year, Chris (below) was honoured for his bravery in a surprise presentation organised by friends at Embargo pub in Morecambe.
He was given a framed copy of the newspaper article from 1990, which hailed him as a hero, and a framed message of thanks from the brothers, who are now in their 40s.
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