Bill Mycock from Monyash in Derbyshire pulled an injured man from the fire in 1955.

But he was only given his bravery award from Staffordshire Fire Service this week.

Mr Mycock, now in his 70s, suffered burns to his face and hands as he carried Bob Knowles from the blaze.

Settee ablaze

Mr Knowles, who had stumbled and fallen with a parrafin lamp in his hands, died four days later.

Area commander Ralph Matthew of Staffordshire Fire Service said: "There was a recommendation for an award, but it wasn't acted on.

"When someone brought it to our attention, we thought it might be a little late but we wanted to do something about it."

I picked the man up and carried him outside - his intestines were coming out and he was burned all over

Bill Mycock, bravery award winner

Describing his actions that night, Mr Mycock said: "I was picking up some pigs with my brother in 1955 when I saw this house on fire on a little lane in Longnor."

"I told him to stop and I rushed into the house, which was full of smoke.

Mr Mycock put out the fire on some curtains and the settee with his hands and then saw a man lying on a table that was engulfed in flames.

"I picked the man up and carried him outside - his intestines were coming out and he was burned all over."

Mr Mycock went back into the house to make sure the flames were all out and then "made a polite exit and went home with my pigs".

"I just wish I had gone earlier then I might have saved his life."

"When I see on TV what has happened in America and all those brave firemen that died in the flames, I think how lucky I am.

"I could easily have died, but I am still here."