19 June 2012 Last updated at 06:55 ET

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue bravery award for 19-year-old

Delivery driver Ethan Maillard, 19, with his partner after receiving the award

A Sheffield man has been given a fire service bravery award for entering a burning house to save children he thought were trapped inside.

Delivery driver Ethan Maillard, 19, was passing by when he saw the fire on Netherthorpe Walk, Sheffield in September.

He kicked in the door and searched bedrooms but the house was empty.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said Mr Maillard's actions on 29 September were "very brave".

Mr Maillard, a member of Sheffield Life Saving Club who lives in Wadsley, suffered the effects of breathing in smoke as a result of his actions.

'Panic outside'

"There was a fair bit of panic outside the house because people couldn't get inside," Mr Maillard said.

"I just acted on instinct and managed to get in to see if anyone was trapped."

Mick Mason from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the public are always advised to stay out of a burning property.

On this occasion though, Mr Maillard's actions deserved to be recognised, he said.

"His actions were not only very brave, but also of huge help to the arriving fire crews," said Mr Mason.

"A firefighter met Ethan as he was coming out of the house, and he was able to pass on crucial information as crews started their own search of the property."