AN EMPLOYEE who raises funds in her spare time has been awarded the 'best newcomer' for her dedication to The Fire Fighters Charity.

Sarah Lewis, a watch manager at Thames Valley Fire Control Centre in Reading, agreed to take on the extra role of helping to boost fundraising for the charity.

The charity supports past and present firemen, as well as their families.

She abseiled down the 170m Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, and organised a town centre collection, raising almost £10,000.

She landed the award at the The Spirit of Fire awards, which honours members of the fire community and the public by recognising bravery and commitment to charity.

The awards, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel last week, kick-started with a Downing Street reception for nominees.

The reception was held by Greg Clark MP, secretary of state for communities and government.

Mr Clark said: "I’ve been inspired by the accounts of self-sacrifice and dedication that the winners and nominees of this year’s Spirit of Fire awards have shown, both at individual incidents and in their support for the Fire Fighters Charity.

"This charity provides world-class support and treatment for serving and retired firefighters, as well as their families, and it is in recognition of this that we continue to support its work.

"I would like to congratulate all those involved in the awards, and to thank them for all their hard work and commitment.”

A stellar line-up of award presenters included comedian Russell Howard, actors Niamh McGrady, Bhasker Patel and John Partridge, sports presenter Diana Binks, TV gardener David Domoney and Great British Bake Off contestant Mat Riley.