A year after a disastrous blaze that destroyed seven vehicles at a bus depot, Truro firefighters have been on the receiving end of a happy sequel.

Truronian, the city-based bus, coach and taxi operator, has donated £500 to the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund in recognition of the local firefighters' achievements in preventing an even bigger setback.

The fire at the company's Lighterage Hill, Newham, depot destroyed three single decker and four double decker buses and a portable cabin, with total damage estimated at £450,000.

Truronian were so impressed by the firefighers' efforts that they decided to make a donation to their fund in lieu of 2006 Christmas cards.

This week managing director Geoff Rumbles visited Truro Fire Station to hand over the cheque to David Pilling, Sub Officer in Truro Headquarters, responsible for the Fire Officers Benevolent Fund.

"I told David and his colleagues that it was quite literally thanks to them that we are still here as a company and continuing to go from strength to strength a year later," said Mr Rumbles. "They did a great job in extremely hazardous conditions - made worse by a very strong wind - and we are immensely grateful to them."

The fire destroyed a tenth of Truronian's entire fleet, but the company was able to hire other vehicles immediately to prevent disruption to services.