Firefighter Gary Walker has been commended for a heroic rescue and also given a long-service award.

Award: Gary WalkerSub Officer Walker single-handedly rescued a 70-year-old man from a smoke-filled bedroom in Sinodun Road, Wallingford, in January.

He was off-duty at the time, and was alerted by a neighbour that the flat opposite was on fire.

He found the elderly occupant lying on a burning mattress, disorientated by smoke, and managed to lead him down to safety with only minor burns. He then went to the fire station and returned with an engine and crew to douse the flames.

Oxfordshire's Chief Fire Officer, Tom Carroll, has sent him an official letter of commendation. At a surprise party for him, he received a second award from colleagues - a bronze statuette - to mark ten years of service. Sub Officer Walker, 39, said: "I've actually done 12 years, but it's always hectic to find time for these awards."

He is based Oxford's Rewley Road station but is also the commanding officer at Wallingford Fire Station, which relies on 'retained' firefighters.