More than 70 firefighters have been honoured by a regional daily for their bravery during a tidal surge.

The firefighters, who all took part in the emergency response to the tidal surge on the evening of 5 December 2013, were presented with commemorative pins by Eastern Daily Press editor-in-chief Nigel Pickover and Norfolk chief fire officer Nigel Williams.

Mr Williams, gold commander as the crisis unfolded, told crews that counterparts in Humberside and Lincolnshire had called him to say the surge had hit their areas hard and Norfolk was next.

During the ceremony, at King’s Lynn North fire station, Mr Williams, praised the crews who “stepped up to the mark” when the flood surge bore down”.

He added: “What you did that night was outstanding – you knew not what was coming but you stood tall to a man and a woman.

“I’m so proud of what you did for this brigade and the people of Norfolk – it was in the traditions of one of the best fire services in Britain.”

He presented pins to more than 70 firefighters with Nigel, who added: “When the flood surge struck west Norfolk was hit first – and hard.”

A campaign by the EDP to help those affected by the flood raised £70,000 in five days and £350,000 by the end of 2014.