A TEENAGE first aider has received recognition for his dedicated, selfless volunteer work.

Charlie Kellaway was presented with an award for his work with the Dorchester St John Ambulance Service.

The 18-year-old from Wareham carries out his voluntary role as an ambulance worker every week and was nominated for a Dorset Police Teenage Award for his positive commitment and enthusiasm.

He received the award from Wareham Neighbour-hood Inspector Tracey Baker at the St John Ambulance Station in Dorchester.

She said: “The Teenage Award Scheme is an initiative aimed at recognising teenagers who do good deeds across Dorset.

“Charlie is a very admirable young man who gives up his time selflessly to help others and it is wonderful to see him getting recognition he deserves.”

Charlie’s role sees him regularly attend football matches and other events including the London Marathon, which he attended as part of the Dorset crew that was on front-line support for the day.

Anne Comben, operational support for St John Amb-ulance, said: “Charlie is a much valued member of the Dorchester division of the St John Ambulance.

“We were thrilled to hear that he had received this award – he truly deserves it.”

Anyone can nominate a teenager they think is worthy of recognition.

Do this by emailing the youngster’s name, contact details, age address and details of their good deeds to <&bh"mailto:teenageawardscheme@dorset.pnn.police.uk">teenageawardscheme@dorset.pnn.police.u<&eh>k including the contact details of the nominator.

For more information about the Teenage Award scheme, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood policing team on 101 or visit www.dorset.police.uk.

Celebrating group’s achievements

Volunteers celebrated their achievements at the St John Ambulance awards in Bovington.

The awards ceremony was held at the Bovington Tank Museum and presented by Stephen Frost, Commander of Dorset St John.

Major General Richard Keightley presented the long service awards to Julie Dean and Keith Hocking for 32 years in the organisation.

Andrew Bryant was awarded 3rd bar to his service medal for 27 years’ service and Neil Walton was presented with his 500-hour voluntary service certificate.

Other awards were given to members of the cadet and badger groups. Each badger aged six to 10 gained badges for different subjects such as first aid, health and safety and fire prevention.

Once the children achieve enough badges they rise to the higher status of becoming Super Badgers.

Sophie Pope-Jenkins, from St John Ambulance said: “Volunteers from across the country came to celebrate what they had achieved.”

The event united young and old alike in a celebration of the good work St John Ambulance achieves.