STAFF who evacuated 86 patients from a hospital during a fire were yesterday honoured for their bravery.

The team, from York Hospital, received awards from the Royal Humane Society.

York Hospitals Trust chief executive Jim Easton presented the awards to healthcare assistant Jemma Gurden, staff nurses Elle Barley, Andrea Shirt and Nichola Burdett, Dr Matthew Callister and security officer David Henderston.

They got 86 patients out of the hospital after a fire in the medical admissions unit last September.

They also restrained the arsonist, who threatened staff with a knife.

Mr Easton said: "The action of staff was exemplary. Their quick-thinking, courage and utter professionalism was fantastic."