Firefighters who rescued a number of cattle from the wreckage of an overturned vehicle are among those whose efforts will be recognised at the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service's annual awards evening.

Three crews were formally commended by the RSPCA earlier this year and will receive their commendations during the evening held at the John Innes Centre on Friday November 3.

On June 7 this year the County Council's fire and rescue service received a call to an incident at Diddlington, near Methwold where an animal trailer had overturned trapping 16 large cattle inside.

A crew from Methwold was first on the scene and were soon joined by a crew from Swaffham and the Emergency Tender from King's Lynn with firefighters from King's Lynn Blue Watch.

Freeing the cattle proved extremely difficult and took two and a half hours using a variety of rescue equipment.  During the extrication crews used a large fan to blow cool air over the animals and hosereel jets to keep them cool. In the end 13 cattle were freed alive and well but unfortunately three died.

Tim Wass, Regional Superintendent for East Anglia and the Midlands and Chief Inspector Pat Wilson will represent the RSPCA on the evening.
 
Richard Elliott, Chief Fire Officer for Norfolk, said: "The crews certainly deserve this recognition for their work in very arduous conditions over a prolonged period. I am delighted the RSPCA will be represented on the evening to present the crews from Methwold, Swaffham and Blue Watch Kings Lynn with their Certificates of Commendation for this rescue."

The awards evening will also see the presentation of a number of Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, the Community Partnership Award, the Cadet of the Year Award and prizes for the winners of the service's Community Fire Safety Competition.