STUDLEY fire crews have proved their outstanding commitment to the village by scooping a record 100 per cent 'availability' award for the ninth year in a row.

The village's fire cover is provided by 10 retained firefighters who have full-time jobs but are on call should they be required for an emergency.

At the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Awards Ceremony recently, those firefighters were honoured with a trophy and certificate.

Studley fire station's Sub-officer Neil Bourne said: "Basically the award means that we and the fire appliance have been available for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for nine years with retained personnel - which is the best figure for any retained crew in Warwickshire.

"We all either live or work in the village and have a pager or bleeper for when we are needed.

"So we are particularly pleased we've scooped this award."

Mr Bourne added: "The fire-fighters here are all fairly young or have young families so obviously it's difficult at times but we all enjoy what we do and get the best of both worlds."

The station in Bell Lane is soon to welcome three new recruits, one of them a woman. Retained firefighters are paid a retaining fee and turnout fee for their efforts.

Retained firefighters Sam Beaman (left) and John Nixon receive the award from County Councillor John Haynes.