THIS is the moment Accrington youngster Kieron Sanderson was commended for his maturity and bravery by Hyndburn Fire Service.

Twelve-year-old Kieron, of Worcester Avenue, Accrington, was out playing with friends when he noticed smoke billowing from a block of flats.

The Fire Brigade say his mature actions helped save the life of 50-year-old Nigel Rigby and his three pets who were in an upstairs flat in Gloucester Avenue, Accrington.

He phoned the fire service and kept on the phone to the control room while three fire engines were mobilised.

He even followed up the call when the fire appeared to get worse and directed firefighters to the exact location, back in July.

Kieron said: "I knew I had to ring the fire brigade when I saw the man inside the flat trying to put it out. He was struggling and it seemed to be getting worse, so I just phoned them up. My mum told me in the past about how to ring the fire brigade and about how important it is they arrive as soon as possible to put fires out."

For his efforts Kieron has now been presented with a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation, at a special award ceremony held at Hyndburn Fire Station last week.

He said: "When I got my award I was really proud. But I definitely didn’t expect to get an award when I made that call."

Lancashire’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland said: "The prompt, calm and mature behaviour of Kieron, passing on valuable information to fire control, resulted in a man’s life being saved and contributed directly to the successful outcome. Kieron Sanderson should be proud of his action and of his Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation."

Flat owner Mr Rigby, who escaped from the fire safely without any injury, added: "I must have accidentally knocked the hob on when I was tidying up. I thank Kieron for his community spirit. It’s heart-warming to know the community cares."