A SECURITY guard today told how he rescued dozens of people from a blazing building.

James Balaam, 34, of Dorchester, spoke about rescuing 77 people as he learned he was to receive a top bravery award.

Mr Balaam, now working for Real World Services security at Portland Port and the old Eldridge Pope site in Dorchester, was employed in Swindon at the time of his heroics.

He said: "It was at a foyer for young people coming off drugs and the streets.

"I was doing the security guard patrol. I came back and was looking at the CCTV when I noticed smoke in one of the corridors.

"I went to have a look and saw that bags of rubbish were on fire. I grabbed the extinguisher in the kitchen but that wasn't working so I grabbed the one in the corridor.

"I put the fire out and we now know it was deliberate. Someone had set the rubbish on fire using newspaper. It was quite hairy."

Mr Balaam said although the fire alarms had sounded he visited each of the 77 rooms in the five-storey building ensuring everyone was out.

He said: "I managed to get them and then ran and phoned the fire brigade. They arrived and made sure the fire was out."

It was only after this and now black with soot that he sought medical attention for smoke inhalation.

And Mr Balaam's efforts have earned him the Royal Humane Society's Testimonial on Vellum. He said: "Getting the award is fantastic. I was speechless. I wasn't expecting it. It's very touching and I'm honoured. I've never won anything like this before."

He was recommended for the award by the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Chief fire officer Andy Goves said: "Mr Balaam was employed as a security guard and was the first person on the scene.

"Clearly he recognised what needed to be done and acted very quickly.

"His actions undoubtedly prevented the fire getting a lot worse. Those vital few minutes after a fire is discovered and before we arrive can make a difference between life and death.

"We're planning on arranging a special presentation to Mr Balaam here in Swindon."