TWO North-East firefighters who risked their lives to save a grandmother-of-five from a frozen pond have been named the bravest in the country.

Retained firefighters Paul Myers and Steven Binns, from Sedgefield in County Durham, beat off competition from thousands of others at the UK's national Fire Service awards, the Spirit of Fire Awards.

The pair picked up the title of Bravest Firefighter of the Year at a ceremony in Cambridge in recognition for their actions in March last year.

They waded into the icy pond on the outskirts of Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield, to rescue stranded Elizabeth Jones, who had gone in pursuit of her dog.

As they approached her, they saw her head slip under the water, seemingly unconscious and unable to remain afloat.

The duo smashed the ice with their hands to reach the woman, but were unable to swim back.

Mr Myers submerged himself underwater until his feet reached the bottom and pulled the rope around his colleague and Mrs Jones to edge them towards the shore.

Once they reached a point where they were no longer struggling to keep their heads above water, they gave her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

The event, which was organised by the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund (FSNBF), was attended by famous faces including Michael Aspel and model Caprice, and featured a video address from Tony Blair.

Mr Myers said: "It's nice to be recognised by the fire service for the work we do, and an honour to receive an award from the FSNBF, whose valuable work to look after firefighters and their families is greatly appreciated by everyone in the service."

Mr Binns added: "We are honoured to receive this award and would like to praise the achievements of all firefighters."

The pair's courageous actions have already earned them a nomination for a Pride of Britain bravery award.

Roy Lawrenson, chief executive of the FSNBF, said: "Every day, we see the incredible way firefighters lay their lives on the line for others.

"It is people like Paul Myers and Steve Binns who make the Fire Service such a special group of people."