A MAN who rescued three children from their burning home was honoured yesterday for his actions - 30 years after the event.

Builder Brian Tumilty, of Hartlepool, saved the youngsters from the fire in their Plevna Street home, in the town, in 1971.

Following the blaze, Mr Tumilty was presented with a certificate from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, and he has now received a framed reproduction of the original, thanks to draughtsman Neil Wright, who works at Cleveland Fire Brigade headquarters, in Hartlepool.

Mr Tumilty, who is currently working on the Queen's Meadow business park site, near the headquarters, told Mr Wright his certificate had seen better days.

Mr Wright then took the original certificate and, using information from it, produced a computer-enhanced replacement to be framed for presentation to Mr Tumilty.

Mr Wright said: "It seemed a fitting tribute for a fire hero working right outside the brigade headquarters."

Mr Tumilty said: "My original certificate was in a bit of a state, so I am very grateful to the fire brigade for taking the time and trouble to do this kind deed for me."