A DEDICATED life-saving volunteer from Burnham has been recognised for his contribution to first aid with St John Ambulance.

Jon Jacobs (pictured) has been invested into the Order of St John at a special ceremony held at the Order's historic Priory church in London.

The accolade is one of the highest honours in the organisation and each recipient has to be approved by the Queen.

Jon was recognised for his various roles within St John Ambulance which include county duty officer, head of the Somerset emergency planning team, and providing first aid cover at events across the county.

He was presented with the Order's insignia by Rodney Green, the Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands.

Jon said: “It's a real honour to become a member of the Order of St John and to receive it for doing something I love makes it even more special.

“I joined St John Ambulance so that I could learn first aid and be the difference between a life lost and a life saved but I never thought it would lead to something like this. I'm humbled.”

Prior Rodney Green said: “I'm delighted to invest Jon into the Order of St John.

“Jon was honoured in recognition of his dedicated service to St John Ambulance, which is committed to making sure no one dies through a lack of first aid training.

“As one of the charity's 40,000 volunteers, his work is integral to its work in communities across the country.”