TWO volunteers from Worcester have been honoured for giving “exceptional service” to St John Ambulance.

Carol Wilson and Phil Banks have been recognised for their community service by being invested as members of the Order of St John at a special ceremony held in the historic Priory Church in Clerkenwell, London.

Each recipient of the chivalric order is personally approved by the Queen.

They were presented with the order’s insignia by the prior of the Priory of England and the Islands, Sir Brian Jenkins.

The pair, who both started as members of Worcester division, have been volunteers for many years.

As well as attending adult divisional training and being present at many public first aid duties, Mrs Wilson ran a Badger sett for five to nine-year-old junior cadets with her husband Gill.

One of her Badger first aid competition teams reached the national finals.

Mrs Wilson then became county Badger leader, supporting and promoting setts across the county.

She performs many public first aid duties including Worcester Warriors matches.

Mr Banks, who became a member of St John Ambulance in 1992, became the Worcester division’s stores officer, responsible for maintaining the equipment and keeping records.

Martin Figgitt, senior officer for St John Ambulance in Worcestershire, said: “I am delighted that the outstanding efforts of these two members has been formally recognised. Being admitted to the order is a very great honour.”

Sir Brian said: “These members are being honoured in recognition of their dedicated service to St John Ambulance.

“The work of each of our 43,000 volunteers is integral to our work in communities across the country. It is with great pride that I invest Mrs Wilson and Mr Banks into the Order of St John.”

The Order of St John can be traced back 900 years to the Knights Hospitaller, from which it derives its inspiration and mottoes: Pro Fide and Pro Utilitate Hominum, or For the Faith and In the Service of Mankind.