A QUEEN'S medal for long service and good conduct to the ambulance service was recently presented to Matthew Grahame from Tavistock.

A ceremony held recently saw more than 650 years of high-quality care and dedication celebrated.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust's (SWASFT) first awards ceremony of 2015 recognised staff who had completed 20, 30 and even 40 years of service.

At the ceremony, attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon and the High Sherriff of Cornwall, 26 staff received awards for long service, eleven were awarded for 30 years of service, and eleven staff received the Queen's Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, including Matthew.

Matthew has been with the ambulance service for more than 21 years after wanting a more rewarding career from working offshore in the oil and gas industry.

He said: 'I have enjoyed my career to date and look forward to my continuing professional development in this ever-changing career.

'Every day is different and you never know what's in store — that is the beauty of it.'

Ken Wenman, SWASFT chief executive, said: 'Our awards ceremonies are a great opportunity to remind staff that their dedication and commitment does not go unnoticed. It is also the perfect setting to be able to commend members of the public who have done something amazing, like saving a life.'

Heather Strawbridge, SWASFT chairman, said: 'These events are always rather emotional, to have so much dedication in one room and hearing stories of all the wonderful care that has been given, is very humbling.

'I cannot thank staff enough but I hope evenings like this — held in their honour — go some way towards showing them how truly valued they are.'