A STOURBRIDGE paramedic was among a host of ambulance service stars recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Advanced paramedic Jon Cobb picked up an outstanding achievement award at the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Long Service and Excellence Awards.

Mr Cobb, who is based in Stourbridge, was recognised for his ‘outstanding’ community work at a ceremony at the Best Western PLUS Stoke-on-Trent Moat House, Staffordshire, on Thursday March 20.

The dedicated lifesaver was praised in particular for the development of school education packs, which he has also progressed with colleagues in West Midlands Fire Service.

He has also worked with the National Trust on safety projects and regularly attends schools and fetes in his own time to spread the word.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “Jon is well-respected in his local community for his significant achievements in that area.”

The team responsible for the Trust’s NHS 111 service were also commended with an outstanding achievement accolade at the ceremony which saw Ian Dudson CBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, making presentations on behalf of the Queen.

Call centre manager Liz Parker, 111 project manager Phil Smith, and 111 clinical deployment lead Matt Ward were recognised for going beyond their normal duties to get the 111 service back on track after it was taken over by West Midlands Ambulance Service – which is based at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill.

A spokesman for the Trust said the team “took charge of the facility and helped transform it into an extremely successful patient centred service currently meeting all its targets”.

Trust chief executive Anthony Marsh praised the hard work and dedication of the staff and said he was “proud and grateful” for their efforts.