A milkman has been handed a heroism award for helping residents out of a burning care home.

Father-of-two Chris Cook spotted flames in a bathroom at the Goldfinches Nursing Home, Eastbourne Road, while out on his morning deliveries.

He wasted no time in helping the one member of staff on duty to lead elderly residents out of the building to safety and waited for the fire brigade to arrive.

Mr Cook, who has worked for Unigate Dairy Crest in Waterworks Road, Eastbourne, for 13 years, received a Milk Heroes Award yesterday.

The awards acknowledge bravery and quick-thinking by milkmen and women up and down the country. Only 12 are made each year.

Julian Packman, development manager of the National Dairymen's Association, said: "This kind of act is typical of milkmen.

"They are the ears and eyes of the nation when they are out at 2am or 3am in the morning, and Chris is a first-class example of the work that milkman often do."

Unigate Dairy Crest Eastbourne depot manager Phil Simmonds said: "Chris is an excellent milkman. He is conscientious and caring, and we were not at all surprised to hear about his actions."