Listen to Michelle Cording's tribute to her husband.

TRAFFORD firefighter Simon Cording played a leading role in rescuing a toddler who had been buried under rubble in Haiti for three days.

Simon spearheaded an operation to reach a two-year-old who had was trapped under a collapsed nursery when a devastating earthquake hit Port-au-Prince in Haiti last Tuesday.

He worked with other firefighters to reach the tot, named Mia.

After he finally pulled her to safety she was reunited with her mother and a doctor gave her a clean bill of health. Simon is a member of a nine-stong team of Greater Manchester firefighters - and 64 firefighters from the UK in total - who have gone to Haiti to assist rescue efforts on the Caribbean island, where it is feared the death toll could reach 200,000.

Simon, aged 35, has worked at all of Trafford's three fire stations - Altrincham, Stretford and Sale - and is currently temporary watch manager at Sale.

Sale's station commander, Tim Clear, paid tribute to Simon and the rest of the fire service team, who are facing constant danger: "These buildings are very unstable, there is a history of earthquakes in the area and there could be another earthquake at any time.

"I have known Simon a long time - he will do a very professional job.

"He is a very conscientious and reliable person.

"He is doing Trafford and the brigade proud."

Simon's wife, Michelle, from Wigan, said: "I am so proud of him but it is a team effort. The work they are all doing is brilliant."

International development secretary, Douglas Alexander, said of the rescue: “This is fantastic news. I know that everyone in Britain will share my pride at the vital and dangerous work being carried out by these brave firefighters in Haiti’s hour of need. They are truly inspirational.”