Two heroic teenagers and a neighbour who came to the rescue of an arsonist have been commended for their bravery.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Ché Thompson, 17, of Broad Road, Bocking, and Leroy Moran, 15, of Coldnailhurst Avenue, Braintree, had been at the skatebowl in Meadowside when they noticed smoke and followed it to Ana Rego’s home in Rosemary Avenue.

Having spotted Rego in her garden, the pair made their way round to the home of kitchen fitter Philip Oddy, whose garden backed onto Rego’s.

The trio eventually managed to take her to safety after pulling down a fence.

Judge Charles Gratwicke commended Mr Moran, Mr Thompson and Mr Oddy for their actions and said each would be rewarded with £200 from public funds.

The trio will also be invited to an awards ceremony with the High Sheriff of Essex, Charles Palmer-Tomkinson.

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