THE West Midlands Ambulance Service has scooped four awards at the industry's Oscars.

The Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) Awards are regarded as one of the highest accolades a service can get because it recognises excellence in a variety of skills and bravery.

As well as being named Ambulance Service Of The Year, three individuals who work for the West Midlands trust picked up awards.

Paul Coney was named Ambulance Care Assistant Of The Year, Dan Staines as Emergency Medical Technician Of The Year and Christopher Goodwin received an ASI Bravery Medal.

The chief executive of the service, Anthony Marsh, said considering the trust was only formed 12 months ago, it was a superb achievement. Every trust knows just what it means to win one award, so to win four, including Ambulance Service Of The Year, is an astonishing achievement," he said.

"When you consider where the trust was when it came into being in July last year, it is an outstanding turnaround and down to the hard work and dedication of the staff throughout the trust - those who work out on the road, the staff in our emergency operations centres and also those who work in roles such as finance, human resources and corporate services.

"We have come so far in the last few months. No one could have foreseen the tremendous progress that has been made.

"I am particularly pleased for Paul, Dan and Chris for their individual awards.

"They are shining examples of the work that so many staff carry out every day."

At the awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament in London, the trust was described as truly innovative and committed.

Mr Marsh said: "I hope everyone in the region will be as proud of the staff as I am.

"They deserve this award for the way they improved patient care at every opportunity."