A FIRST aider from Halesowen has been given a long service award by St John Ambulance after fifty years volunteering with the charity.

Judith Morris joined the charity’s Halesowen unit as a cadet in 1959 and has remained with the unit ever since.

The 65-year-old is now a unit manager and responsible for 10 adult volunteers and 35 cadets.

Bosses at the leading first aid charity’s regional headquarters in Birmingham were keen to recognise Judith for her commitment and presented the tireless volunteer with a long service award in Halesowen.

Judith, who continues to volunteer as an event first aider in the area, said: ‘It’s been a wonderful fifty years.

"There have been so many highlights for me, but I’m particularly proud of my work with local youngsters over the years who have joined us as cadets. Many of our former cadets have gone on to join the medical profession and still keep in touch with me today."

She added: "This is such a wonderful charity and the team here at Halesowen are fantastic – I’m just extremely proud to be part of the St John Ambulance family.’

Jack Lewis, area manager for St John Ambulance, said: ‘It’s volunteers like Judith who make such a difference to our charity.

"She has made a fantastic contribution to the community over these last fifty years and continues to channel her enthusiasm managing our busy unit in Halesowen and helping us carry out our life saving work at events across the region."

For more information on volunteering with St John Ambulance visit www.sja.org.uk to search for volunteer vacancies.