COURAGEOUS firefighters from Cotswold Airport have been given an award by a leading fire training centre for saving the life of a pilot after his a plane crashed and exploded in a ball of fire.

They have received an International Fire Training Centre Special Achievement award for pulling Belgian stunt pilot Tony de Bruyn from the burning wreckage of his plane. He was practising a loop-the-loop in July 2012 when his plane hit the ground and skidded 1,000ft across the runway.

Paul Coomber, senior airfield fire officer, who helped pulled Tony from the plane, said: “It is nice to be recognised for a job well done by everybody, really. It was all hands to the pumps. Everyone had a part to play.”

The award is given as recognition to an individual or organisation within the aviation fire-fighting community.

Dennis Perkins, director of training at the IFTC, said: “The International Fire Training Centre wanted to commend their quick thinking and professional response to a potentially dangerous situation; their swift action no doubt saved the life of Mr De Bruyn.”

Mr De Buyn will be returning to Cotswold Airport on May 2 and 3 with the Bronco Demo Team. Visit wiltsglos standard.co.uk for more