Honours after depot blast deaths

Cameraman Brian Wembridge and sub-officer Geoff Wicker were killed

Two firefighters who died in an explosion at a fireworks depot have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

The families of Geoff Wicker, 49, and Brian Wembridge, 63, were given certificates of merit to recognise the men's outstanding bravery and careers.

Chris Large, from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said they were nominated for the Spirit of Fire Awards by the prime minister.

The men died in a blast at Festival Fireworks, near Lewes, on 3 December.

The national Spirit of Fire Awards ceremony, run by the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund, was held in Cambridge on Saturday night.

Mr Large, deputy chief fire officer for the county's fire service, said: "Brian and Geoff paid the ultimate sacrifice that any firefighter who responds to an emergency incident could pay."

'Strength and courage'

He said he took strength on what was an emotional evening that he was there alongside the firefighters' families.

"The strength and courage they have shown - both families supporting each other and us over the past months - is amazing," he said.

An investigation is ongoing to try to establish the cause of the fire and explosion at the fireworks depot at Marley Farm, Shortgate.