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

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

The 61-year-old, who was presented with a certificate from the Society for the Protection of Life From Fire after the blaze, received a framed reproduction of his original award, thanks to draughtsman Neil Wright who works at Cleveland Fire Brigade headquarters in Hartlepool.

Mr Tumilty, who is currently working on the new Queens's Meadow Business Park site near the headquarters, told Mr Wright of his award and explained that his certificate had seen better days.

Mr Wright took the certificate and used information from it to produce 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: "I was a much younger man when I received this award for helping to save my neighbour's children in a house fire.

"My original certificate was 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.

"I will certainly take more care of my new certificate than I did of the original."