A retained fireman at Loddon station was among those honoured at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony.

Held at Norwich Castle, the event highlighted outstanding achievement and commitment from the service personnel, with awards presented by special guests including the High Sheriff of Norfolk and the Lord Mayor of Norwich.

Patrick O’Neil was given a Certificate of Commendation for his actions while off duty.

He was taking his son to a time trial cycling event hosted by Great Yarmouth Cycling Club when an adult cyclist collapsed.

The man was not breathing and had no pulse so Mr O’Neil ran over to help and performed CPR while calling for assistance.

The ambulance crew had to shock the cyclist three times with a defibrillator and administer medication before regaining a pulse.

And despite not having known the cyclist before his collapse, Mr O’Neil visited him a week later in hospital.

Now back in the saddle, the cyclist is riding more than 100 miles a week.

The ambulance crews and medical staff have no doubt that without Mr O’Neil’s actions the man would not have survived.

It transpired that the cyclist had suffered a heart attack and further tests showed no brain damage occurred thanks to Mr O’Neil’s swift and effective use of CPR.

Other certificates of commendation were given out at the event, as well as long service and good conduct medals.

Staff were also presented with certificates for 20, 30 and 40 years of service, as well as a special Norfolk Fire Service medal for recipients with 35 years’ service.

•Have you got a Loddon story? Email the deta polly.grice@archant.co.uk