Bravery honour for fire death hero

Ricci Foreman repeatedly tried to douse the flames

A teenager who tried to save a girl from burning to death after she was set on fire by her boyfriend is to be honoured for his bravery.

The Scottish government said Ricci Foreman, from Arbroath in Angus, will be one of the first 50 people to receive the Brave@Heart Award.

He was 19 when he found neighbour Jessica McCagh "covered from head to toe in flames" in April last year.

Jessica's boyfriend, Stewart Blackburn, was convicted of her murder.

Mr Foreman had kicked down the door to her Blackburn's flat in Arbroath when he heard an explosion.

As 17-year-old Jessica screamed out his name for help, he repeatedly filled a fish tank with water to try to douse the flames.

'Acts of courage'

But her injuries were too severe and she died later that day in hospital.

Blackburn, 18, was jailed for life in January and ordered to spend at least 21 years behind bars.

Mr Foreman, now aged 20, said he was "over the moon" with the honour.

"It was quite a surprise. I just did the same thing that anybody would have done in the circumstances," he said.

Mr Foreman has already received a bravery award from Tayside Fire and Rescue Service.

The Brave@Heart Awards will be presented annually to honour Scotland's heroes.

This year 24 members of the public and 26 emergency services workers will be officially recognised at an event at Edinburgh Castle next month, hosted by First Minister Alex Salmond.

Stewart Blackburn will spend at least 21 years in prison

Mr Salmond has met two 15-year-old girls who will be given the honour, Riah Holland and Kirsten Elder from Glenrothes in Fife.

They helped save the life of a woman they spotted on the ledge of a bridge.

Despite the 200-foot drop, Riah - who is scared of heights - climbed over the barrier to support the woman and her friend Kirsten phoned the police for help.

The first minister said: "Scotland should be proud of its heroes and recognise their achievements.

"An annual awards ceremony is a fitting way to give those responsible for outstanding acts of courage the recognition that they deserve.

"Fifty people have been selected by an independent panel to receive a Brave@Heart Award and several of them will also be given the St Andrew's Award for their exceptional bravery."

The Brave@Heart Award and the St Andrew's Award will replace a previous award as the official recognition of bravery from the Scottish Government.