THE actions of a Llangrove teenager who prevented a fire from spreading at his home have been rewarded – with a certificate of commendation from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Services.

At the time of the fire in July, Adam Criddle was just 13. However, his cool-headedness belied his age. A Sea Cadet, he was in Hereford on the day of the Queen's visit and returned home tired.

While his mum, Ginette, went shopping for new school shoes for him, he decided to stay home and went upstairs for a snooze with the windows open.

Ginette had toiled for years to refurbish their home and it had only been completed for a few short months before the fire broke out. So, when Adam woke with a start and smelt smoke he sprang into action. "I rushed downstairs and looked out of the kitchen window and saw smoke pouring out of the attached garage," said Adam.

With barely a moment to think, he ran barefoot to the garage, opened the doors and saw flames coming from a tumble drier. Immediately, he grabbed the hose pipe and started to spray. Incredibly, and risking his own safety, Adam also removed petrol cans from the garage, then dialled 999. "All I could think was, I can't let Mum's house burn down," he said.

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.