A HEROIC teenager has been awarded a prestigious honour for her bravery in rescuing her two younger brothers from a house fire.

But today the noble youngster said: "I'm no hero, I did what anybody would have done."

Vicky Ticehurst, 16, put her own life at risk to save the lives of her brothers PJ, six, and Aaron Goodwin, one, when a blaze ripped through the house of her friend Ceilia Lynch's home in Abbey Street.

Brave Vicky, then 15, pushed fear aside to lead the children to safety when she realised the escape route was blocked by fire. She opened the skylight window and lifted the two terrified youngsters on to the roof of the terraced house.

Neighbour Nigel Clegg, of Stanley Street, heard the commotion and put a ladder up to the roof.

The Fearns High School pupil was awarded the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society award after local PC Claire Di Michele nominated her for her extreme bravery.

The selfless youngster today said: "I was really frightened at the time because I was sat on the roof screaming for help, but Celia didn't know and was trying to get back into the house to help us out.

"It was horrible, but I am just glad that we all got out alive." Vicky was accompanied by her mum Carole at the civic reception held at the Mayor's Parlour in Rawtenstall yesterday afternoon.

She was also presented with the Rossendale Coat of Arms and a £35 Asda voucher on behalf of the council.

Inspector Dave Shepherd, alongside PC Claire Di Michele, Bacup station officer Steve Kennedy and Mayor of Rossendale Eileen Kershaw joined in congratulating Vicky.

Coun Kershaw said: "I really don't know how she did it. I don't think I could could have been so brave.

"It was an incredibly brave thing of her to do and she is more than deserving of this award."

Inspector Shepherd said: "Vicky's extreme courage probably saved the lives of the two children trapped inside the house. Her courage and quick-thinking makes her extremely deserving of this award."

Station officer Steve Kennedy said the fire was started after a pan was left on the hob at around 5am on Thursday, April 17.