LONG-SERVING paramedic Cliff Powis from Abertillery has been presented with the British Empire Medal by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent.

Mr Powis was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours earlier this year and was presented with his medal during a ceremony hosted by Blaenau Gwent Council at the Civic Centre in Ebbw Vale.

The Lord-Lieutenant, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE presented the medal watched by Cllr Malcolm Day, chairman of Blaenau Gwent Council, and Mr Powis’ family and friends.

Mr Powis has worked in the NHS for the last 43 years, including with the Gwent Ambulance Service, the Gwent Health Authority and most recently the Welsh Ambulance Service. Cliff was part of the first ever paramedic course in Wales in 1983.

Mr Powis said today: “I feel deeply honoured to have been awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of my contribution to the Welsh Ambulance Service. I would also like to thank my wife Pam, parents, family friends and colleagues for their constant and unwavering support.”

Brigader Aitken added: “The British Empire Medal is a fitting reward for Cliff’s years of service. It recognises the outstanding service which has made a real difference to the community.”