A man who tried three times to rescue his neighbour from a blaze and went on to save another elderly man trapped in his home has been officially hailed for his bravery.

Glenn Turner of Chestnut Avenue risked his own life to save his neighbour Joseph Ash, known as Joe, after fire broke out at his home in Chestnut Avenue, Bradwell, but was beaten back by thick smoke.

As the flames spread he dashed into the attached home of 92-year-old Michael, plucking him from his bed and carrying him to safety.

He was handed a commendation by Norfolk's chief fire officer, alongside the crew on duty on July 9 when the drama unfolded.

Mr Turner's wife Karen said he was delighted with the acknowledgement which was bittersweet because although Michael had been saved, Joe died soon after in hospital.

His heroic efforts were first applauded by Great Yarmouth mayor Adrian Thompson who invited the couple for tea at the mayor's parlour.

Shortly after they received a letter inviting them to make an appointment with the fire service.

On the day Mrs Turner said they were "overwhelmed and humbled" to be faced with the entire crew on duty on the night who all thanked him for his actions which prevented further loss of life.

The commendation cites his "brave and selfless actions."

Mrs Turner told how they came home on July 9 at around 10.30pm.

There was a smell of smoke and she noticed her husband had disappeared. Seconds later she heard shouting and saw smoke billowing from the bungalow.

With Mr Ash calling out from inside he tried three times to reach him, but was beaten back by thick, choking smoke.

Worried for the neighbour next door, who was deaf and sleeping, he took swift action to gain entry and bring him out.

Assistant chief fire officer Scott Norman said he had gone "above and beyond".

He said: “Mr Turner was nominated by our teams for his heroic actions on the night of a significant house fire.

"Sadly, the occupant of the house where the fire started lost his life and we are all saddened by this and send our thoughts to his family.

“In realising he was not able to get into that home, Mr Turner chose to go next door and rescue another elderly neighbour from his smoke filled home, putting himself in danger to save another life."

He added the advice to anyone seeing a house fire was "to get out, stay out and call 999."