A TRAINEE firefighter from Teesside took top honours on a 15-week training course for new recruits.
David Bell, of the Cleveland Fire Brigade, was presented with silver axe for best student at a graduation ceremony at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade in Durham City.
Mr Bell, 29, a former self-employed joiner, and three colleagues from Cleveland, completed initial training with Durham and Darlington Brigade trainees. He won the award for being top trainee.
Mr Bell, who has joined colleagues on White Watch at the Stockton station, said: "I was really surprised to receive the silver axe award as others did really well and received distinctions. I am really looking forward to working at Stockton."
Carol McCletchie, director of human resources at the brigade, said: "David did well to win the Silver Axe. Recruits who finish the course with a distinction attain at least 90 per cent in exams."
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