Jack, 11, wins bravery award for leading family to safety in fire

A SCHOOLBOY hailed a hero for saving his family in a house fire has been honoured for his courage.

Jack McAlley, 11, guided his mother and younger brother to safety after a candle started a blaze in their home.

The youngster had attended fire education classes with his friends at Pitmedden Primary in Aberdeenshire and made a fire safety plan for his home. He had even persuaded his family to practise an evacuation from their home in case of an emergency.

Jack put the plans into action on 16 February after a candle started a fire in the living-room of their home in Pitmedden.

He received the Chief Fire Officer's Certificate of Congratulations from Grampian Fire and Rescue Service yesterday. The ceremony was attended by his mother Diane, father Gavin and seven-year-old brother Sam.

Speaking after the award ceremony, Jack said: "It was great – really exciting. But I was probably more nervous getting my award than I was putting out the fire."