A firefighter who lost his 13-year-old son in a car crash in Italy has paid an emotional tribute to his colleagues for their support following the tragedy.

Dale Paterson, from Abingdon, died last month while on holiday with his mother Helen and his younger brother in the southern province of Pescara.

His father Rob made an impromptu address at the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's annual achievement awards evening on Thursday night.

He personally thanked his "second family", including chief fire officer John Parry and station officer Bob Swanton, who received a long service and good conduct medal at the ceremony.

He said: "I didn't want my name on the programme as I wasn't sure if I was going to do this, but I need to do it while the emotion is there. I lost my son in Italy. It was tragic. I was the proverbial rabbit in the headlights. I didn't know what to do so I rang the fire service.

"I spoke to Graham Turner and the chief called me within the hour. He put the brigade at my disposal. He said whatever I need, just ask.

"At about 8pm Bob Swanton called and asked if I needed any support or help. I said 'yes, I need help bad'.

"He made a quick phone call and got back to me and said he was on his way -- he rescued me. The support was amazing."

He also thanked the crew at Abingdon Fire Station, where he was based until recently.

Dale, who was nicknamed Sparky because of his love for life, was a pupil at John Mason School, in Wootton Road, Abingdon, where his mother works.

The cause of the accident is still unknown.