SEVENTEEN firefighters have been honoured for their bravery in saving a woman from a fire ravaged Blackpool Promenade amusement arcade.

White Watch crew members from Blackpool, South Shore and Bispham all received bravery medals and commendations for their part in tackling the arson attack blaze which devastated the resort's Grab City complex in October 2002.

Awarded as "formal recognition of their courage and professional expertise" the honours were handed out by Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, during a ceremony at Forest Gate Fire Station, Bispham, on Wednesday, February 11.

The fire -- which caused around £5m worth of damage -- was deliberately started by 32-year-old drug addict, Nicholas Hulme.

Firefighters braved severe flames and smoke to rescue manageress, Christine Hindle, who was trapped by a metal shutter inside her flat in the burning building.

Hulme, along with a family of conspirators -- Terrence, Beryl and Terrence Jnr Newton -- were jailed for a total of 27 years following a trial at Preston Crown Court in September last year.

The crew members included in Wednesday's honours were: Station Officer Michael Spencer, Sub Officer Peter Langley , Sub Officer Paul Briggs and firefighters Roberta Edmunds, Michael Lund, Paul Ling, Steven Myers, Craig Wilkinson, Daniel Gorton, Terrence Waters, Andrew Farnham, Ian Birks, Neil Morris, Christian Maggs, John Walker, James Boruszak and Gordon Anderson.

A FYLDE wife and mother jailed for her part in the Grab City arson has launched an appeal against her conviction.

Beryl Newton, 50, has been granted permission to have her case examined by the Court of Appeal in London.

Newton of Park Lane, Preesall, and husband, Terrence, were each sentenced to nine years after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life in September last year.

The couple's 19-year-old son, Terrence Jnr, is also serving four and a half years along with fire-starter, Nicholas Hulme, 32, for their part in the attack. The family have had more than £1.4m of their assets frozen by the High Court and their luxury rural home repossessed.