The actions of the Green Watch crew, from Peterlee fire station, who were first on the scene at the A19 smash in June, were rewarded at the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority Awards.

Watch manager Colin Drysdale, who was first on the scene of the pile-up, was presented with the chief executive officer's commendations.

Emergency crews spent six hours at the incident, which claimed the life of off-duty Pc Neil Gartland.

His car was crushed between two petrol tankers on the foggy dual carriageway, causing a mass pile-up.

Mr Drysdale, who is now retired, said: "It was really bad when we got there.

"The station's not far away and we heard all these loud bangs – we just thought it was fireworks.

"When we arrived at the scene, everyone's training just kicked in. There were loads of cars, heavy goods vehicles and two petrol tankers.

"We just started checking for casualties and made sure there were no chemicals spilled.

"The lads did a tremendous job and got all the casualties to safety before other crews arrived.

"I'm extremely proud of them and wish them all the best in their careers."

Chief executive Susan Johnson said: "This was a really challenging incident which tested the skills of the attending crews and officers.

"I am immensely proud of the expertise of the fire crews and I am confident that loss of life could have been greater but for the speed and efficiency with which they extracted trapped casualties."

Awards were also given to the Red Watch crew at Durham fire station whose quick-thinking saved the lives of the Robinson family when fire spread through their home in West Rainton.

Watch manager Andy Dodd said: "To be recognised for our work is fantastic.

"It's fires like this where you find out more about the people you work with and every one of them stepped up their game to get the couple to safety.

"I'm so proud of them all."

Crews from 15 stations were recognised at the Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield at the weekend.

Paul Reay, the brigade's director of community safety, said: "The evening was not just about recognising fire crews' work in fighting fires and attending road traffic collisions, but to show that by working in partnership with other organisations we can help to prevent such incidents and create safer communities so people can lead better lives."