Gipsyville fire rescue hero Gareth Cooke Fire given bravery award

A HULL hero who saved a man from a burning house after scaling a wall and jumping across roofs has won a regional award.

Gareth Cooke, 30, now of Askew Avenue, west Hull, also tried to save two other men following the blaze in Gloucester street, Gipsyville, on February 5 last year.

He was presented with the Local Hero Award, voted for by the public, at the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service's annual Community Awards on Thursday night at the Country Park Inn, Hessle.

Gareth was alerted to the blaze by his two Jack Russell dogs, Pele and Kes.

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He saved the neighbour from his burning house thanks to his quick-thinking and athleticism.

After hearing the man shouting for help, Gareth scaled a 6ft wall and jumped between roofs to reach him.

He then attempted to save two more people before the fire service stopped him for his own safety.

Daryl Oprey, head of safety at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: "With no thought for his own safety, Gareth entered a burning building and saved one person before attempting to save another two prior to the arrival of the fire service.

"His actions and bravery are to be commended."

The award for the Young Person of the Year was won by Amy Sellers, 15, from Bridlington.

She made a 999 call and remained calm, which may have saved her and her grandmother's lives during a fire in the early hours of the morning.

Amy smashed a window and helped her 85-year-old grandmother out before following her to safety.

Amy said: "It was amazing to get this award. I didn't think I'd win.

"My gran cried when I was announced the winner."

Despite the dangerous situation, Amy remained calm during the fire.

She said: "I woke up at 5am and smelled burning.

"I rang the fire brigade and the operator helped calm me down.

"A firefighter tried to get in but the door slammed shut.

"I managed to smash a window and helped my gran out before climbing through.

"I just managed to keep calm throughout.

"My mum and gran are really proud of me.

"It was scary at the time but now, looking back, I feel proud of myself."

Mr Oprey believes it is important to recognise the achievements of those concerned.

He said: "The Community Awards are our way of recognising those members of staff who go the extra mile to make the service the best it can be, the partner agencies and groups who help us to make our community safer and members of the public who carry out exceptional acts of bravery.

"The ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate all of those people who help us achieve our goals and everyone who was nominated, shortlisted and, of course, those who won awards should be very proud of their achievements."