Firefighters who gave advice to a Cornish author have been rewarded for their efforts. They were presented with a copy of Doreen Fiol's new book, Pookha Moon, which features a mine shaft rescue based on information supplied by the firefighters.

Doreen, who lives near Camborne, and is well-known for the children's theatre workshops she runs locally, made the presentation herself just before Christmas.

She told the Packet: "I wanted to thank Camborne firefighters for their very valuable assistance with information and a demonstration, all of which contributed greatly to the writing of the book. With all the very important work they do and the intense and varied training undertaken in so many areas, I have been both surprised and grateful for the time and attention they so willingly gave me.

"Wherever there is an accident or a disaster of any sort we usually find the fire service helping to clear it up so I think it is good to have a small opportunity to acknowledge these unsung heroes."

Mrs Fiol, originally from London, runs theatre workshops for children as well as writing books. She has worked with children for 60 years, since she was 15, and has raised seven children with her husband, who is an artist.