Binmen saluted after flat fire rescue drama

Refuse collectors Kevin Marriott (left) and Steve Whitehouse said life had been quite hectic since the rescue

Two binmen involved in rescuing a family from a fire say they are still getting used to being recognised in the street.

Steve Whitehouse, also known as Winnie, was working in Tipton in the West Midlands, with colleague Kevin Marriott when they came across a blaze in a maisonette in February.

The occupants were inside with smoke and flames billowing through their flat, but Mr Whitehouse launched himself over a fence and climbed up to a balcony to bring them to safety.

They were hailed as heroes and have since been given an award by the mayor of Sandwell.

The flat was gutted by the fire

"It's been like, wow, there's so much going on," Mr Whitehouse said.

Speaking to BBC Radio WM on Thursday, they described themselves as "normal people" who loved their job and would do the same thing again.

"We're just old school," Mr Whitehouse, who went for a strong cup of tea in Greggs after the blaze, said.

The flat was completely gutted by the fire but nobody was seriously hurt.

It was is believed to have started when an e-bike battery exploded, prompting almost 20 firefighters to be called to the scene.

The occupants, which included a dog, were in touch with the binmen who said they are due to be rehoused soon.

A Go Fund Me page was set up to help them after the fire and the men said they had each contributed £100.

The men said they loved their jobs and would do the same again

"It's second nature and I'd do it tomorrow, I'll do it the next day and the day after," Mr Whitehouse said.

The men said they met the mayor of Sandwell at Oldbury Council House last week where they received a round of applause from councillors and were presented with a glass trophy and award of recognition.

"It's just been a busy few weeks with social media, and where I live in Tipton town," he added.

"People have been giving us gifts - people are like 'that's Steve and Kev our binmen'.

"In Tipton people are bowing [at] us and saluting.

"It's been really nice and it's been really good."