A fuel company has been honoured as Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s On-Call Employer of the Year.

On-call firefighters are volunteers. The fire service relies on employers letting staff drop everything to respond to 999 calls.

Watch manager Duncan White, officer in charge at Mere fire station, nominated his employer Tincknell Fuels of Gillingham for the award.

Mr White said: “I started working for Tincknell Fuels at the same time I applied for the fire service, 15 years ago. At my initial interview, I mentioned that I wanted to be an on-call firefighter.

"They have supported and encouraged me ever since, and not once complained or made me feel that I could not take time off to attend courses and training. I have been given the flexibility to carry out my duties both at work and with the fire service and always allowed me to occasionally turn in late with no questions asked.”

Rob Ormond, managing director of Tincknell Fuels, said: "Duncan is a credit to the Fire and Rescue Service, and to us at Tincknells"

The presentation was made by Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell at the fire service’s annual awards ceremony this month.