THE fire and rescue service in North Yorkshire has won a prestigious safety award for the eight year running.

At a ceremony at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has presented the brigade with their Emergency Services Sector award.

Chief fire officer Nigel Hutchinson said: “This is a major achievement for the service and is a clear indication that we take the health and Safety of our workforce and the communities we serve very seriously.

“To have achieved first place within the emergency service sector in the whole country makes me very proud and it is due to the dedication and professionalism of everyone in North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service that has enabled this marvellous accolade to be won.”