WEST Somerset College student Freddie Martin has been presented with a surprise award in recognition of his voluntary work with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Freddie, 15, lives in Minehead and was asked to help with a number of projects by his father, fire and rescue area manager Phil Martin.

These included editing and publishing news videos, completing a promotional video for a Job Centre Plus training course, as well as video and graphic design work for a national safety scheme.

His hard work did not go unnoticed by the chairman of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, Somerset county councillor Mark Healey.

Cllr Healey is also the Government-appointed champion for fire safety and works to reduce fire deaths and injuries through the national "Fire Kills" campaign.

He said Freddie had been instrumental in helping him promote an educational programme called Firemark.

Cllr Healey said: "As part of my national role as a Government advocate I have been promotion an education programme named Firemark, which raises awareness of fire safety in the home and is particularly aimed at private rented homes.

"The programme was developed from an idea by Freddie's father and since its launch, the Firemark programme has achieved national acclaim.

"Freddie has been instrumental in developing a short video about Firemark as well as the campaigns website."

Freddie was invited to Somerset County Council's headquarters at County Hall, Taunton, to receive a formal letter of appreciation and a gift voucher from Cllr Healey in recognition of his commitment and hard work.