VOLUNTEERS from St John Ambulance were thanked for their incredible work supporting the NHS throughout the pandemic when they were welcomed to Westminster by West Dorset MP Chris Loder.

Mr Loder said: “It was genuinely a joy to meet so many people of all ages who give up their spare time to learn first aid, and then use that knowledge to help other people.

"We saw the NHS under great strain over this last 18 months, and it is people like those who volunteer with St John who can really make such a difference.”

Mr Loder was pleased to meet with Carole Lawrence-Parr, Chief President of St John Ambulance and a west Dorset constituent, to personally thank her for everything the organisation has done during the reception at the House of Commons.

St John Ambulance has been providing first aid training since 1877 and Mr Loder said their work to support the NHS during the pandemic had been incredible.

Vaccines Minister Nadim Zahawi also spoke to volunteers, as well as the Secretary of State for Health, Sajid Javid.