AN award-winning Bolton fireman has been plunged into controversy amid allegations he intimidated a workmate.

A formal grievance has been lodged with Bolton Central station chiefs against firefighter Graham Smith, who won the MBE after helping Romanian orphans, following an alleged altercation with a colleague.

Fireman Peter Hodgson, who last year moved to Bolton Central from Rochdale, submitted the written report on Monday following an alleged discussion between the two men during a shift changeover.

It is understood the conversation concerned an incident in December when Mr Smith was reprimanded by a station officer for not wearing his helmet during an emergency call out to Bolton Parish Church. Mr Hodgson claimed he felt intimidated during that conversation.

Last month brigade bosses upheld complaints made by Mr Smith about reports penned by station officer Peter Brandon following the helmet incident. That incident is due to go before a regional committee meeting of the Fire Brigades' Union.

Now Bolton Central fire station has been rocked by the new allegations which are being investigated by station commander Assistant Divisional Officer Shaun O'Donnell.

Yesterday ADO O'Donnell said: "I'm dealing with ongoing matters at this station. It would be inappropriate to name individuals at this stage."

High-ranking brigade bosses at headquarters have not yet been informed officially of Mr Hodgson's grievance.

Assistant County Fire Officer Paul Shrubb said: "At this moment in time the senior management in this organisation is not aware of any complaint that has been generated at station level.

"There are accepted procedures and protocols for dealing with all complaints and the first stage is for every effort to be made to resolve the issue at station level.

"I have no doubt it will be dealt with appropriately by the investigating officers."

Yesterday Mr Hodgson refused to comment about the grievance which has been submitted.

And speaking from his Westhoughton home, Mr Smith said: "I am not aware of any grievance against myself. I decline to make any comment on internal fire service issues."