ONE of the first Gwent paramedics to qualify in Wales has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Cliff Powis, from Abertillery, 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.

Since 1973, the 67-year-old has taken on various roles ranging from ambulance man to his current role of paramedic.

On Friday, he was recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list with the award for meritorious civil service.

Mr Powis said: “I feel deeply honoured to have been awarded the BEM in recognition of my contribution to the Welsh Ambulance Service. I would like to acknowledge the generosity of the residents of Blaenau Gwent, who through former mayor Jim Owen donated charitable funds to the Gwent Ambulance Service in 1979.”