TWO community heroes were given a special award by the fire service in Dorset after they were quick to call 999 when they spotted a blaze at a nature reserve.

Sheridan and Kayleigh called the fire service after they witnessed a fire at the Bourne Valley nature reserve.

The pair gave accurate information that allowed the firefighters to attend swiftly to extinguish the fire.

The fire service said there was a real risk to nearby property, but their actions ensured that this was prevented.

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“Sheridan and Kayleigh understood the potential risk of the fire, and what to do from the education work delivered in schools by both Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service and the Dorset Heaths Partnership, focusing the potential consequences of risky behaviours such as fire setting, and how to make positive safer choices as well as what to do if there is a fire,” a spokesperson said. 

“We would like to thank them for their actions and for being such positive members of their community in helping keep themselves and their community safer.”

The pair were given their awards by chief fire officer Andy Cole.