A FIREFIGHTER has received a bravery award for saving a woman's life.

Steven Bonsor, 31, of Colne Close, South Woodham Ferrers, was given a service commendation after his actions saved the life of a women who tried to set herself on fire.

A fire crew was called out to a small fire on the front garden of a house, on January 5 this year.

As the crew set about tackling the fire, they discovered it had been started by a woman in the house.

Mr Bonsor said: "We noticed she was burning a pile of men's clothes, CDs, DVDs and other items.

" A woman came running out of the house and started shouting and screaming at us to let it burn, that it was all her husband's property and she wanted it to burn.

"She said she was going to burn the house down and kill herself."

Mr Bonsor tried to calm her down, but she ran into the garage and started to pour petrol over herself, also covering the firefighter.

After an ambulance crew arrived, the woman went into her kitchen and grabbed a lighter, trying to set fire to herself. Mr Bonsor, and fellow firefighters restrained her.

Mr Bonsor said: "It was a really close call and I would be lying if I said I wasn't afraid, but glad we both came through the incident unhurt. When I heard I was to receive a commendation, it was a really nice surprise."