TWO volunteer first aiders have been honoured for their work with the St John Ambulance.

Stevenage residents Sarah Betts and John Beach attended a ceremony last week to honour their selection as members of the Order of St John in recognition of outstanding service.

The pair have been volunteering for the charity for more than 30 years and are both involved with the Stevenage Cadets.

Mrs Betts is the district youth officer for St John Ambulance and has used her first aid skills at concerts at Knebworth Park and the London Marathon, as well as provided cover for Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s royal wedding.

Mrs Betts, 51, who lives in Ely Close, said: “The honour is something you can’t put yourself forward for, you have to be nominated so it was really nice to be recognised.”

Mr Beach, who is 52 and a clinical support worker at Lister Hospital but volunteers as the Stevenage Cadets’ unit manager in his spare time, once had to use his first aid skills to help a member of the public who had received a serious stab wound to his arm during a music festival at Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage.

He said: “It’s an honour to receive it for the work I’ve done and it was a nice day out.”

Mr Beach, who lives in Archer Road, added: “First aid skills always come in handy and because we deal with children we’re able to teach them these skills which is good for the community.”

The prior Rodney Green of the Priory of England and the Islands, which forms part of the Order of St John, made the presentation.

He said: “John and Sarah have been invited to join the Order of St John in recognition of the contribution they have made to their community. They have shown true commitment to helping St John Ambulance’s lifesaving work.”