A HAMPSHIRE firefighter has won one of the country's top trainee awards.

Southampton International Airport firefighter Katie Stubbs has become the British Airports Authority Fire Service Top Recruit for 2001.

Katie, 27, from Fareham, began her career in May 2001 at Southampton Airport in Wide Lane, Eastleigh. Since then she has undergone eight weeks of intensive training.

She beat 30 other trainees from across BAA's seven UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, to gain the highest results.

Katie was thrilled to receive the award.

She said: "The course was hard and very challenging, but at the same time I really enjoyed it.

"It was great to build friendships with other firefighters across the BAA group."

Southampton Airport operations director Joan Fletcher said: "I am delighted to be able to present Katie with this award. She has obviously worked very hard to achieve these top marks.

"I wish her continued success in her airport firefighter career."