Watch managers from Ossett and Wakefield fire stations were among scores of officers presented with the fire service's long service and good conduct medal.

Andy Dickinson has been in the fire service for just over 20 years.

Starting off at Pontefract station, he was promoted to Batley, then Wakefield, then Hunslet before returning back to Wakefield as a watch manager.

Mr Dickinson, 43, said: "I feel I have served the public and now I'm a watch manager I want to try and move with the times.

"The brigade has modernised because the world we live in has changed and I'm in the position now to drive that change within the fire service."

Ossett station watch manager Nicholas Farmer has served for 21 years.

He started his career at Ossett and moved on to work in Gipton, Batley and Illingworth before returning to Ossett.

Mr Farmer, 45, said: "I really enjoy being firefighter and I've never thought about changing my career.

"I'm happy to receive this award as it is always nice to be recognised."

The fire service long service and good conduct medal was instituted by Royal Warrant in 1954 and is only granted to firefighters and control room staff with 20 years' outstanding service.

The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, presented Mr Dickinson and Mr Farmer with their awards at a ceremony.