MORE than 250 North East residents who volunteer their spare time to support North East Ambulance Service patients and employees were recognised in a prestigous ceremony on Wednesday, June 7 at the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle.

The celebrations concluded a week-long campaign to celebrate the nationally recognised Volunteers' Week which is between June 1-7.

Among those who attended were 47 volunteers from across the service who have celebrated service of two years or more, including two extraordinary people - ambulance car service drivers John Buxton and Ronald McPartland - who have each volunteered for over 15 years helping those in need. 

Also in attendance were two community ambassadors from community outreach projects. 

NEAS chief executive officer, Helen Ray, said: “It isn’t often that we get to celebrate the achievements of our volunteers; two of whom this year are celebrating 15 years of voluntary service to our organisation.

"Working as hard as ever, over the last year they have provided life-changing care for a number of our patients across the region, and it is an honour to be able to recognise and thank them for this. 

“Volunteer’s Week has highlighted only a small percentage of the work that these incredible people do; selflessly and in their own time.

"I cannot thank them and our volunteer's team enough for the work they have done, and that they continue to do.”