FIREFIGHTER Walter Moore has been recognised by both the Royal Humane Society and the St John Ambulance after saving a three-year-old boy's life.

Assistant Divisional Officer Moore, a firefighter at Teesside International Airport, kept Ethan Blackburn, now four, alive after he suffered head injuries when he was thrown through a car windscreen.

Mr Moore, of Jenkins Drive, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was driving to Teesside last November when he saw the overturned car near Newton Aycliffe.

Using his skills as a medical technician, Mr Moore stemmed the bleeding and cleared Ethan's airways, keeping the toddler alive until an ambulance arrived.

Ethan, of Loraine Walk, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, needed 260 stitches and almost lost his life four times because of the severity of his injuries.

Mr Moore's actions were recognised yesterday when he was presented with an honorary testimonial from the Royal Humane Society by the Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, George Hedges.

When the award was announced, society secretary Major General Christopher Tyler said: "If it was not for the way Mr Moore calmly took control of the situation he came upon, I dread to think what would have happened.

"His quick-thinking almost certainly saved that boy's life, and I am sure his family are eternally grateful."

The firefighter was also presented with a letter of commendation from the St John Ambulance.

Members of Mr Moore's family were joined at the presentation by family of Ethan Blackburn.