Firefighter honoured in Queen’s birthday list

Andy Ducket has been a fireman for over 40 years after joining the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1969, like his father and uncle before him.

During that time he has worked his way up to watch manager in charge of Southam Fire Station.

He helped implement the Southam First Responders, a group of volunteers which gives immediate life support treatment to patients who have suffered a life-threatening trauma, and has since developed the service while creating a support group.

He then established a Southam branch of the Young Firefighters Association.

Mr Ducket said: “I am thrilled. I can’t believe that the work I have done has been recognised, it’s unbelievable. This is an honour to be shared with the rest of the station members.”

Also honoured were chairman of Ford of Britain Joseph Greenwell, from Leamington, who was made a CBE for services to the automotive industry, a CBE went to Harbury’s Justin King, the chief executive of Sainsbury’s, for services to the retail industry. Leamington’s Nathaniel Alcock was made an OBE for voluntary work in vernacular architecture and Miriam Wallington also of Leamington got an MBE for her efforts in rural affairs and agriculture.