Three local firefighting heroes have been honoured at a glitzy ceremony.

Tenby Fire Station’s Nicky Rees, Billy Connor and Gary Slack were among the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service staff recognised for their outstanding efforts, achievement and contribution to the community at the service’s celebrating success awards ceremony held at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

This prestigious event, now in its sixth year, recognises the tremendous efforts made by colleagues on a daily basis to make the communities they serve safer places to live, work and visit.

Superfit Nicky Rees was the deserving recipient of the sports and social club award. Multiple Ironman Nicky is a renowned triathlete and fundraiser. The Pembrokeshire College lecturer has taken part in every single Long Course Weekend since its inception six years ago.

But it was his extraordinary friendship and partnership with lifelong friend Gareth Scotcher that touched the hearts of the county and beyond back in 2013.

Nicky showed superhuman powers when he and Gareth, who has been battling Motor Neurone Disease for over 10 years, made the 140-mile journey in tandem.

Emotions were high as they completed a 2.5 mile swim, with Nicky towing Gareth in a kayak, and followed the 112-mile cycle course on a specially-adapted bike.

And there were extraordinary scenes in Tudor Square on a scorching Sunday afternoon as the inspirational friends finished the marathon in under five hours with Gareth in a wheelchair buggy.

Nicky, who has been raising funds to help make his friend’s life a little easier with special disability adaptions for his home, has also more recently successfully completed the toughest footrace on earth, the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert, and the mega difficult Swimrun World Championship, ÖTILLÖ.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies MBA also gave recognition to firefighters Billy Connor and Gary Slack. On August 7, Billy and Gary entered the sea at Castle Beach to save two children. The brother and sister had found themselves in difficulty 100m off shore in strong current and tidal swell conditions.

Billy swam to the aid of the brother and recovered him to the shore, before returning to assist Gary who was successfully keeping the sister afloat.

It was widely recognised by the RNLI crews that their swift, immediate actions, undoubtedly saved the lives of the two children.