A BRADFORD firefighter paralysed in a cycling accident has been nominated for a prestigious award, alongside a fundraising fire crew from Cleckheaton.

Pete Lau and Cleckheaton blue watch have been shortlisted in the 2015 Spirit of Fire Awards, which recognise bravery within the fire service community and dedication to the The Fire Fighters Charity.

The awards, which feature ten categories, are considered the most prestigious event in the fire and rescue service calendar.

Mr Lau has been nominated in the Beneficiary of Courage section. The award is given to a member of the fire service community who has shown bravery and strength of character in the face of adversity.

The former station manager, now retired, was left in a wheelchair after suffering a spinal injury in a cycling accident.

A fire service spokesman said: "After the accident, he spent months recovering in hospital and attended rehabilitation with the charity.

"Despite suffering numerous knock backs due to the severity of his injuries, Pete continues to be an inspiration to all those who know him, motivating and inspiring other patients in their mental and physical recovery. He continues his fundraising efforts for the charity and others, committed to making a difference no matter what."

Cleckheaton blue watch have been nominated in the Team of the Year category for their fundraising efforts in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity. Last October the team completed a 500-mile bike ride to Amsterdam and, the following day, took part in a marathon in the Dutch capital, raising £7,772 in the process.

A spokesman said: "The team was inspired by firefighter colleague Mat Wood, who was diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer 12 months previously."

Mr Wood joined the fire service in June 2003 and was posted to Cleckheaton blue watch in 2005.

He was diagnosed with cancer aged 42 and he wanted his watch to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research and The Fire Fighters Charity as both charities were helping him. Almost £17,000 has been raised in total from events. Mr Wood died on May 11, aged 44.

West Yorkshire Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling said: “We are delighted to be represented in two categories of this year’s prestigious Spirit of Fire Awards. Cleckheaton Blue Watch made a tremendous charity effort in honour of their colleague Firefighter Mat Wood who sadly passed away last month following a brave battle with cancer.

“The recently retired Bradford Assistant District Commander Pete Lau is also an inspiration to us all in the way he is dealing with a life-changing cycling accident last year which left him paralysed.

“Each year the Spirit of Fire Awards is an occasion for fire and rescue services up and down the country to come together and share stories of dedication, pride and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.

“We wish the West Yorkshire contingent the very best of luck at this year’s event.”

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on October 2.