A NEW Brighton woman's dedication to Merseyside fire and rescue service has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List.

Glynis Lomax was one of four people across the country awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal for her commitment in helping protect the people of Merseyside.

She said: “I was very surprised at being nominated. I feel honoured and privileged.

“I am just one of the many people at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service who come to work to do their job.

“It is fantastic to be honoured in this way.”

Glynis joined the fire service in Wallasey in 1973 and transferred to Merseyside on its formation in 1974, where she has served for over 38 years.

In 1992 she was promoted to the role of principal fire control officer and seven years later became group fire control officer, the most senior female role in Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

In June 2007 she was appointed group manager professional standards and placed in charge of a team aimed at reducing sickness and absence in the Service. Her leadership helped reduce sickness levels to under 5% over the next three years.

Chief Fire Officer Dan Stephens said: “This honour is a testimony of the hard work and dedication that Glynis has shown to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service over almost four decades.

“Highly respected among her colleagues, it is a fitting tribute to Glynis that she has been honoured this year.”