WINSFORD-based road safety champion for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, station manager Martin Dowle, has been honoured for his lifelong commitment to the cause.

Martin, based at the service headquarters in Sadler Road, was presented with his award by fire minister, Penny Mordaunt, at the Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA) conference at Burton-upon-Trent on September 15.

CFOA's President, Peter Dartford, said: “Martin Dowle has been a stalwart for road safety both for Cheshire and nationally for years and is the most passionate advocate and person for road safety education."

Cheshire's Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock added: "Whenever you think of a person totally committed to road safety you, without doubt, place Martin's name in the frame.

“He has made a massive and positive impact across the country, both instigating and overseeing the National Road Safety Week which has involved nearly every service in the UK.”

Martin, who has served 37 years with the service, said: "To be recognised by my peers, not only in Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service but across the Fire and Rescue Service family nationally, is absolutely wonderful. I am delighted and humbled to have been recognised in this way.”