CHESHIRE firefighters were recognised at a national awards ceremony held by the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation recently.

TyreSafe, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres, named Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service as the winner of their Emergency Services Award for the outstanding efforts made to educate drivers.

More than 3000 drivers were given one-to-one advice by fire and rescue crews at 22 winter driving events to increase awareness about tyre safety, leading to improved road safety.

Presenting the award, Stuart Jackson, Chair of TyreSafe, said: “Our emergency services sadly see, close-up and firsthand, the consequences of why drivers need to look after their tyres. This can be a particularly difficult and distressing job and I thank all of the wonderful emergency services’ teams who support TyreSafe.

“We selected Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to receive our Emergency Services Award for their fantastic enthusiasm and commitment.”

Martin Dowle, Community and Road Safety Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We created a highly visible road safety presence across the entire county, working with our partners to highlight the importance of tyre safety and we are delighted that our work has been recognised with this award from TyreSafe.

“Our unique brand and ability to engage with all groups and ages in our society places us in an enviable position where we can make a difference by engaging with drivers to increase awareness of tyre safety with the ultimate aim of improving road safety.”