A firefighter who helped keep a dying friend alive long enough to say his family farewells is to be honoured for his heroics by the Queen.

Gavin Miller battled flames in the Gorteen House Hotel near Limavady to rescue 50-year-old Joe McCloskey, who fell through a storeroom roof and suffered severe burns. The firefighter's bravery in November 2003 gave the father-of-five a few hours in hospital, time for his wife and kids to say goodbye and for him to tell them he loved them.

"I'm honoured and grateful to receive this award," Mr Miller said, adding, "I know if Joe had have been in my shoes he would have done the same for me. To this day my thoughts are with the McCloskey family."

Mr Miller, a firefighter crew commander, is being honoured with The Queen's Gallantry Medal, awarded to civilians for acts of bravery.

The storeroom was described as a fire ball with temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees celcius. Mr Miller was eventually helped by two other firefighters after dragging his friend out of the building. He suffered heat exhaustion and burns and had to be doused in water to put out the flames on his protective gear.

Mr McCloskey, who asked not to be sedated before getting to see his family in Altnagelvin Hospital, died the day after the fire on November 2, 2003.

Mr McCloskey's wife Marie has been pushing for the last number of years for Mr Miller to be recognised for his bravery. He is one of only two firefighters to receive the honour this year.

Two police officers and five other people are to receive the Queen's Commendation for Bravery for their actions during the Glasgow Airport terrorist attack.

Mr Miller added: "I am overwhelmed and delighted but would like to dedicate this award to the memory of my colleague, leading firefighter Joe McCloskey, and his family. My thoughts are and always have been with them.