AN Allendale couple were among the many volunteers thanked for their years of dedication to the ambulance service.

Sue and Peter Davison have been a vital part of the North East Ambulance Service’s work for the past 13 years.

The pair work to maintain a community response in the Allendale area.

Over the years, they have helped many local residents until ill-health forced them to retire from their voluntary work.

Sue and Peter were thanked for their long service at a North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust celebratory event.

The celebration was held during National Volunteers Week, when 62 volunteers were recognised for their long service.

NEAS chief executive Yvonne Ormston said: “Volunteers make a significant contribution to their communities in lots of ways in our organisation.

“Over the last 12 months, we have invested even more in our volunteers to ensure they have up to date skills and equipment to be an effective volunteer.

“Our staff and volunteers touch the lives of thousands of patients and make a difference day in, day out.

“This event is about getting our volunteers together to show just how much we appreciate their service and to say an enormous thank you for all that they do.”

The ambulance trust is supported in its work by more than 330 volunteers.

Around 50 people volunteer as porters and last year helped nearly 7,000 patients at five of the region’s hospitals.

More than 190 people are volunteer car service drivers; between them they have completed a combined 993 years of voluntary service.

And NEAS is also supported by 100 community first responders, trained to respond to emergency calls.