Nominations open on Wednesday for the region's first fire service awards.

The public is invited to nominate in five of the 11 categories.

The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Awards will celebrate the bravery, dedication and excellence of firefighters, control room operators, other staff and members of the public.

Chief fire officer Phil Toase said: "It is certainly an exciting prospect to hold the first ever awards and I sincerely hope people will fully embrace it and nominate those worthy of acclaim."

Nominations are invited for Hero of the Year, for a member of the public who has shown heroism or courage, and Young Hero of the Year (U16s); Whole-time and Retained Fire Station of the Year, for a station that has had a significant impact on its community, and Outstanding Contribution, for an act of bravery by firefighters or control room staff to save a life or prevent damage.

To make a nomination log on to www.westyorksfire.gov.uk from Wednesday. The closing date for entries is Sunday, March 2.