VALIANT Lancashire fire-fighters who travel to foreign hot-spots in the name of humanitarianism have had their efforts officially recognised with medals of honour.

Preston's Assistant Divisional Officer Mick Doherty and Sub-Officer Colin Byers (both pictured in the middle), of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, are just two who recently jetted off to Croatia with charity Operation Florian, in a bid to teach the local community valuable firefighting skills. Officer Doherty, chairman of this year's operation, said: "We've been to a few places such as Iraq and Armenia on a volunteer basis with the International Rescue Team and you can see the remnants of war around you. We go wherever assistance is needed."

The medals are especially well received as one of them, a commemoration medal, is presented by the people of Croatia as a special thank-you.

It was carefully carried back from Croatia by Mike.

This is the fifth mission fire personnel have been involved with, as they serve as a training opportunity. The team also donated redundant equipment, and two essential mountain rescue dogs.

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