A COMMUNITY has honoured three fire heroes who tried in vain to save a grandmother and three little boys.

Police officers Marty Hayman and Simon Cowan braved ferocious heat and flames at the house in Holly Hill, Shildon, where 47-year-old Sheila Humphrey was trapped with her grandsons Corey, aged three, Stephen, two, and nine-week-old Ashley.

All four died in the blaze in June last year despite the efforts of the two constables and neighbour Michael Jardine, Shildon Town Councillors were told last Monday.

Council chairman Barry Pow- ton presented framed certificates of commendation to 33-year-old PC Cowan and 38-year-old PC Hayman.

Mr Jardine, who had been first on the scene, did not attend the presentation. He made two rescue bids before standing below a window to break the fall of Corey's 20-year old mother, Joanne.

Supt Derek Hall, divisional commander for the Sedgefield police division, said : "Mr Jardine, PC Hayman and PC Cowan acted very courageously, without hesitation and with disregard for their own personal safety."