DEDICATED ambulance staff have been awarded the highest recognition for frontline emergency care employees.

Six employees at North East Ambulance Service, who have a combined service of more than 100 years, have been presented with the Queen’s Medal.

Frontline respondents Martin Fletcher, Steve Roebuck, David Vaughan, Michael Vockings, Jane Wade and Mark Wells all received the honour.

Chief executive Yvonne Ormston said: “I am extremely proud of all of the long serving employees at the Trust and have huge respect for all who have received this award. On behalf of myself and all at the Trust, we thank them for doing the job they do. Our employees aim to make a difference day in and day out and The Queen’s Medal awards show they do just that.

“Frontline staff deal with very difficult situations on a daily basis and show the upmost compassion for all patients that they treat. It has been a great opportunity to acknowledge the quality of care they provide to our patients. They all go above and beyond the call of duty in their roles, striving for excellence and innovation and enabling us to deliver our mission to provide safe, effective and responsive care for all.”

The six were presented the awards by Susan Margaret Winfield, the Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear.