Life-saving Northamptonshire firefighter in Cenotaph Remembrance parade

Nick Gayton represented Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service at the Cenotaph

A firefighter commended for rescuing a 95-year-old woman from her burning bungalow has spoken of his pride at taking part in the Remembrance parade at the Cenotaph in London.

On Sunday, Nick Gayton represented Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service at the ceremony as part of the Civilian Services Contingent.

He had been commended for rescuing the woman in Burton Latimer last November.

Mr Gayton said taking part in the parade was "humbling".

He has worked for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for 15 years.

His application to be one of more than 150 members of the Civilian Services Contingent - made up of members of the fire service, police, ambulance, prison service and coastguard - was successful.

"I've represented the fire service at local ceremonies before, but nothing on this scale, and it's the first time I had been to London for the Remembrance parade," Mr Gayton said.

"It's difficult to describe in words what the experience was like... the mixture of emotions that come over you during the ceremony.

"You try and take everything in as it's happening... but when the silence hits you it's incredibly emotional - you could hear a pin drop in Whitehall during the ceremony."

He added: "All I can say is that it was the honour of my life to take part in the ceremony, and I'm massively humbled by the whole experience."