CLOSE to 600 years of combined service were recognised at a long service awards ceremony for ambulance staff and volunteers from across Essex.

The event, held at Downham Hall, was one of six ceremonies taking place across the east of England to honour the exceptional dedication and commitment of colleagues who serve their local communities.

Chief Executive Neill Moloney presented the awards alongside Director of Digital Innovation, Sian Clark.

The awards come during a milestone year for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary.

On 1 July 2006, the region's three ambulance services – Essex Ambulance Service, East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust, and Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Ambulance and Paramedic Service NHS Trust – merged to create a single ambulance service serving the East of England.

Mr Moloney commented: "Recognising the extraordinary long service of so many of our colleagues across the ambulance service is incredibly important.

"These events are a small token of our immense gratitude for the tireless work our people do every day in support of their communities.

"On behalf of the Trust and the NHS, I would like to thank them for their outstanding contribution and commitment to patient care over many years."

Other award recipients on the day included:

Ambulance Service Long Service and Good Conduct medals for 20 years of service:

• Neil Ashford
• Andrew Avery
• Penny Bootle
• Francesca Boyce
• Tina Brant
• Ian Bruce
• Rachel Chudleigh
• Lee Cutter
• Casey-Louise Faiers
• Paul Jenner
• Kevin McEvoy
• Elaine McIntyre
• Kerry Rudd
• Lee Umpleby KAM
• Mark Whiddon

20 years of ambulance service and 25 years of NHS service:

• Louise Samouelle

25 years of NHS Service:

• Daniel Behn
• Shona Brown
• Sandra Chapman
• Jemma Cracknell
• Stephen Dennehy
• Melanie Hill
• Drew McRae
• Tracey Valentine

20 years in the ambulance service:

• Ashleigh Rickards

10 years of volunteer service

• David Bowling
• Colin Taylor.