An eight-year-old boy who risked his life to save his younger sister from a fire at their home is to have his bravery recognised.

Matthew Aylott, of Beaufort Road, Southend, will receive a commendation from Essex Chief Fire Officer David Turner tomorrow (Wednesday).

On an October morning last year, Matthew, then aged seven, was downstairs when he became aware of smoke and flames in the hallway.

He called out to his mother upstairs and she grabbed her son and they ran outside.

Then she realised five-year-old Melissa was still upstairs.

Plucky Matthew went back into the house, woke his sister and the two made it to safety out of a bedroom window.

Also being commended is Dennis Constable, of Kings Holiday Park, Canvey, who noticed a fire in a neighbour's chalet.

He pulled him out of the building, which was filling with toxic smoke from a burning armchair.

Brave - Matthew Aylott with sister Melissa, whose life he saved

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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