Victims of Alton Towers crash pictured together for first time at event to honour fire crews who rescued them

Daniel Thorpe, Leah Washington, Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford, Joe Pugh and Victoria Balch Credit: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

The four victims of The Smiler rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have been pictured together for the first time as they attended a ceremony to honour the firefighters who helped to rescue them.

Leah Washington, 18 and her boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18, joined Vicky Balch, 20 and her partner Daniel Thorpe for a ceremony in Staffordshire where 25 firefighters who fought to release them from the ride were commended for their actions.

Leah and Vicky both had to have a leg amputated as a result of the crash, while Joe and Daniel suffered serious leg injuries when two carriages of the ride collided at the theme park in June.

Speaking after the ceremony, Leah said the crews had been "amazing" during and since her rescue.

Daniel Thorpe also thanked the firefighters for their support.

Firefighter Helen Green, who received one of the awards, said she was happy to see the progress made by the four victims.