A heroic army veteran who saved his disabled neighbour’s life when a fire broke out has been given a bravery award.

John Pratt, from Sandgate, has been praised for his actions in January which fire crews say undoubtedly saved the woman’s life.

At the time, the 86-year-old said he saw smoke billowing out of doors and windows of the home in Wellington Place and knew right away he had to take action.

Mr Pratt, who has osteoarthritis, could see his neighbour sitting in her wheelchair in the middle of the room on the phone to the fire brigade with flames surrounding her.

“I wasn’t afraid, I couldn’t be afraid, I just knew I had to do something,” he said at the time.

Crews from four fire engines spent more than two hours battling to extinguish the flames.

Last night, Mr Pratt was recognised for his life-saving efforts at the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) awards ceremony where he received an act of bravery award.

He is one of hundreds of people to have been recognised at the event.

KFRS chief executive Ann Millington said Mr Pratt’s “quick and selfless actions” made him a worthy winner.

“While we always encourage people to leave firefighting and rescues to our trained professionals, John’s quick and selfless actions saved the lady’s life, and for that, he is a very worthy winner for our act of bravery award,” she said.

Other winners included 15-year-old Nick Bradfield, who raised the alarm when a fire broke out in his bedroom in Ramsgate.

Nick managed to switch off the plug and get his sister Megan, 14, and the family dog safely out of the house.

He also remembered to close his bedroom door, which stopped the flames from spreading through the house.

KFRS colleagues were also honoured with accolades in recognition of their hard work and dedication to helping people across Kent and Medway to stay safe, including awards for long service.

Jason Hills, station leader at Dartford Fire Station, was one of the recipients of the collaboration award for his proactive work with partner agencies to help prevent grass fires at Dartford Heath.

Technical rescue firefighters, Brad Rebbeck, Jim Chaston, and Martin Stanley received commendations for being part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) response team deployed to the devastating earthquake in Turkey, while Giles Parker accepted the same award for his work in Malawi in the aftermath of cyclone Freddy.