AN OXFORDSHIRE fire station has been named the country’s Station of the Year at an awards ceremony.

Hook Norton fire station was honoured at the Spirit of Fire Awards ceremony.

The event is the biggest awards’ event in the fire service, recognising bravery, and dedication to the Fire Fighters Charity.

In addition to Hook Norton’s success, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was shortlisted in the Brigade of the Year category, while Pete Mackay, technical communications officer at the service’s headquarters in Kidlington, was shortlisted for the Employee of the Year prize. The awards, now in their sixth year, were presented by supporters of the charity on Friday at a reception at Wembley Stadium.

Hook Norton watch manager Ivor Matthews said: “We’re absolutely chuffed.

“To get nominated was an achievement, but to win it and know that you are the best station is brilliant.”

Crew manager Nigel Matthews represented the north Oxfordshire village’s firefighters at a No 10 Downing Street drinks reception hosted by Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron before the awards ceremony.

He said: “It was a real honour to go there.”

He added that the award was recognition for the firefighters and their local community.

“We’re a small station but we are one of the highest fundraisers in the county and that shows the support we get from the local community,” he said.

Dave Etheridge, the county’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer and chairman of the Oxfordshire Branch of the Fire Fighters Charity, said: “These nominations are wonderful news for our fire service. I’m particularly delighted for the crew at Hook Norton and for Pete Mackay, who have been singled out for excellence.

“For a relatively small brigade to have three nominations in the awards is an outstanding achievement, and shows that once again Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is punching well above its weight.”