A Newbury College student's quick thinking in preventing a fire spreading has been marked with an award.

Newbury firefighters praised 20 year old Amber Kingham's presence of mind when she and fellow pupils from Newbury College's Enterprise Skills class for young adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities, were treated to a recent tour of Newbury fire station.

Red Watch manager, Bob Mitchell, presented Miss Kingham with a Certificate of Merit during the visit, commending her swift reaction to spotting a fire late last year.
Mr Mitchell said, "Amber was putting her recycling out one day when she saw smoke coming from a bin store. She acted with great maturity to immediately call her dad who dialled 999. Well done Amber – you are a great example to all young people in this town."

During the visit, the stations Red Watch also gave a live demonstration with a hose reel and invited students to try on firefighters' protective clothes.

Miss Kingham has also been invited to collect a formal honour at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service's Service Awards this month at Bearwood College, Sindlesham.