Lifesaver firefighters named finalists for award

Firefighters Nick Willis, Chris Sweeny and Jonny Burch pulled a man from the sea

Three Jersey firefighters who pulled a man from the sea are finalists for a Pride of Britain award.

Jonny Burch, Chris Sweeny and Nick Willis were part of the team who helped save a swimmer who was trapped by a strong current in August 2023.

They are up against four others for the This Morning Emergency Services Award.

Firefighter Jonny Burch said it was a "real surprise" and a "great honour".

The conditions were too rough to send a lifeboat

The conditions were too rough to send a lifeboat so the firefighters worked together to swim out to the swimmer and pull him from the waves which were crashing against the sea wall.

"It was a very dynamic incident, and it is a privilege to work in an organisation such as ours, where teamwork is so important and there is such a reliance on your team to have your back when needed," said Mr Burch.

If they win their category, the firefighters will be honoured at Grosvenor House in London on 21 October.