AMBULANCE crews from Darlington have been presented with long-service awards.

Staff from Darlington ambulance station were among colleagues from across County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland who were honoured at a ceremony at Gateshead Civic Centre.

Nigel Sherlock, Lord Lieutenant for the Tyne and Wear area, presented the Darlington officers with the Ambulance Service (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.

Darlington Ambulance Service staff who received awards were training officer William Ross, paramedic Mark Coleman and senior divisional officer Leslie Matthias.

North East Ambulance Service chief executive Simon Featherstone said: "The ambulance officers show dedication and commitment throughout their careers, sometimes beyond the call of duty, and this awards evening is one of the few occasions when the trust is able to praise them publicly. I am really proud that so many of the staff are being rewarded in this way."