Youth training co-ordinator Martin Hoole from Ackworth, and Pontefract fire station cook Christine Ellis have both been shortlisted for the Employee of the Year Award.

Mr Hoole, 45, has more than 20 years experience with WYFRS. He was nominated for his tireless work in developing and promoting the Young Firefighters Scheme across West Yorkshire, which has also been shortlisted for an award.

He said: “I am pleased and proud to be nominated for an award. I am proud of the scheme’s success and everyone involved in contributing towards the progression and achievement of the youth of West Yorkshire.”

Mrs Ellis has been the cook at Pontefract Fire Station for 18 years. She was nominated for always going above and beyond her duty, including preparing, cooking and freezing meals for each shift before she goes on leave.

She said: “I am over the moon to have been nominated. I love my job, it is so rewarding and I enjoy coming to work every day.”

The 61-year-old said she got the job by pure fate, after a firefighter told her about it when he came to do an inspection at the old people’s home where she used to work, and spotted her taking a pie out of the oven.

There are ten awards up for grabs at the event, which will be held at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds on Friday May 23.

Other categories include, hero of the year, charitable achievement of the year, wholetime station of the year, retained fire station of the year and outstanding contribution.

The winner of the young hero award will be decided by public vote, and other winners will be chosen by a panel of judges made up of representatives from throughout the brigade.