A Hebburn firefighter is celebrating winning a prestigious award.

A young South Tyneside firefighter has won a prestigious award after excelling during her training.

Daisy Hunter recently started her operational career at Hebburn Tri Station. She has now been awarded the Silver Axe, the highest individual honour available on a trainee firefighter course.

Aged just 27, Daisy already has an interesting CV having previously worked with racehorses and later at an estate agents, before embarking on a new life as a firefighter with the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

As Daisy, originally from Richmond in North Yorkshire, begins the next chapter of her career, she is already looking forward to helping people when they need the service most and making a positive difference within communities across the area.

Firefighter and Silver Axe recipient Daisy Hunter (right) with previous winner Natalie Mortimer. | TWFRS.

placeholder image — Firefighter and Silver Axe recipient Daisy Hunter (right) with previous winner Natalie Mortimer. | TWFRS.

‘A really proud moment’

Daisy has always wanted a job that keeps her active and gives her the chance to help people. Having now made the transition from the training ground to operational firefighting, Daisy is focused on continuing to learn and develop.

She said: “The training course was one of the best experiences. It was tough at times, but in a good way, and I learnt a huge amount from it.

“What attracted me to the fire service was the variety, working as part of a supportive team, and being there for people on some of their worst days. I like knowing that what I do can make a real difference, and it's a job I can genuinely be proud of.

“The recruits’ course gave me good grounding, but being on station has helped everything start to make much more sense in practice. Everyone has been really welcoming and supportive, which has made settling in a lot easier.

“Honestly, I was really surprised. The whole course had worked extremely hard throughout, so being recognised for my efforts was a really proud moment.”

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Firefighter and Silver Axe recipient Daisy Hunter. | TWFRS.

Praise from the Fire Service

Daisy was congratulated by recently-retired Natalie Mortimer, 50, who was herself a Silver Axe winner in 2002.

Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “For two women connected by the same prestigious award, but separated by a generation, the values at the heart of the Fire and Rescue Service remain unchanged: dedication, teamwork, resilience and a commitment to serving others.”