TWO ambulancemen from Okehampton have been honoured for their dedication and professionalism at a special awards evening.

They were among 20 South Western Ambulance Service staff in Devon who were presented with awards at a ceremony held at Padbrook Park in Cullompton.

Okehampton-based John Blakeney, who is a paramedic, received the Queen's Service Medal for long service.

John lives with his wife and two children in Crediton and has been with the service for 22 years. He said he enjoys the satisfaction and variation that his job brings.

Receiving the same award was Mark Pinder, a clinical support officer based at Bideford Ambulance Station, who lives in Okehampton. Mark has been with the service for 25 years.

He said his most memorable moment of his job so far is saving the life of a father of five, who has gone on to be a grandfather of seventeen.

The award winners and their guests joined South Western Ambulance NHS Trust chief executive Ken Wenman and chairman Heather Strawbridge for a buffet meal before the ceremony.

Mr Wenman said: 'There are so many crews who work above and beyond the call of duty in our ongoing quest to save lives.

'I am proud to work with such a group of dedicated and committed people, who often face difficult, challenging and harrowing situations whilst caring for patients.'