A FIREFIGHTER recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours list says the award is for the inspirational team and children he works with.

Watch Manager Simon Ryder has been awarded the MBE for voluntary service to the Manchester Children's Burns Camp and Northern Burns Care Network.

Mr Ryder, who lives in Radcliffe, said: "It was a huge surprise to have been awarded an MBE.

"It really is an honour and a privilege and it is not just for me but for the team who I work with and the children.

"They are equally, if not more deserving, of it."

Manchester Children Burns Camp provides activities to help children and young people under the care of the paediatric burns service at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital to overcome their injuries — which are often traumatic — and enhance their self-esteem and confidence through day trips and residential camps as well a family weekends to achieve success in their life.

The organisation relies on donations and volunteers to ensure children and young people are able to recover emotionally and physically, with activities helping to aid healing, including breaking down scar tissue.

Mr Ryder, who joined Greater Manchester Fire Service in 2000 as a firefighter, became involved in Manchester Children Burns Camp through his work with the Fire Cadets and met David Lenagan who was instrumental in setting it up. Mr Ryder started as a volunteer driver for the organisation in 2005.

This Christmas he along with Crew Manager Peter Fitzpatrick from Gorton organised a party for young people at Manchester Central Fire Station.

He said: "I attended my first residential in 2007 and after seeing the amazing difference it made to the children, I become more involved and when David retired I became assistant director.

"It is incredible seeing the change the camp makes to the children , they come in a little apprehensive and leave with absolute confidence, it is just so inspiring.

"If this award can raise awareness of the work the Manchester Children Burns Camp makes it would be great."

Chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council Roy Wilsher said: "It is wonderful to see so many from the fire service being recognised for their achievements. So often it is above and beyond that which is expected of them but it’s work which makes a real difference to people’s lives within their local communities and beyond."

Watch a video of the Christmas party 

For more information visit www.manchesterburnscamp.co.uk