THE South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust awards evening is on October 11.

Trust chief executive Ken Wenman said: “Our staff are the trust’s greatest asset and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the excellent job they carry out, often in difficult and challenging situations.

“These awards are extremely well- deserved and all our staff go over and above in delivering the right care in the right place at the right time.”

The awards are at 6pm at Monks Yard Business Centre in Ilminster.

Some 32 members of staff are being presented with accolades acknowledging their dedication.

They include the Queen’s Ambulance Service Long Service and Good Conduct medal as well as other long service awards for clinical and non-clinical staff.

Combined, the award recipients for long service and good conduct have given 330 years of service between them. Other categories include the Most Improved Ambulance Station, Employee of the Year, Chairman’s Award, Chief Executive’s Commendation and Responder Award.

The award winners and their guests will join Mr Wenman and chairman Heather Strawbridge for a reception drink before the ceremony, where they will be presented with their awards.

Dignitaries attending will include HM Lord Lieutenant of Somerset.

Two former patients who were treated by ambulance staff are also attending as guest speakers.